Thursday, August 23, 2012

Beginning the Journey Through Physics


Everyone always says physics is terrifying, but I hope this year will be the exact opposite. I expect to learn the stereotypical subjects that pop into peoples brains whenever they hear that seven letter word; different laws of gravity, how the tide works, the force of inertia. At the same time, I know there are other subject matters out there, like how do both airbags and seatbelts work to keep you safe or how baseball players hit a home run. Also, I hope I learn that the clichéd idea about physics being scary is absolutely false.
If you asked me, I think that physics is important because it explains different phenomena such as how the tide rises or the lack of gravity on the moon. It’s different from any other science class there is. Unlike Biology, it doesn’t involve dissecting little animals or learning about the different flatworms. It gives simple solutions to some of the most confusing questions in life.
I understand that physics might help tell a baseball player how their home run happened or how the tide works, but what does that have to do with my life? I don't play baseball and I haven't seen the crashing waves of the beach for six years. That's the biggest question I have for this year. Also, is it really possible for physics to be a great learning experience and fun at the same time? I've always thought the answer was no, but I very well could be wrong. Finally,how on earth is it possible to make physics understandable to my small and simple brain? I certainly do not have an IQ with more than five digits. It’s always seemed that physics is the class that only super smart, high school valedictorians, MIT graduates can understand. Will I, plain, old Anna Bassett be able to understand too?
My biggest goal for Physics this year is to keep a positive attitude. Even though it is said regularly, it really is true that one of the secrets to success is staying calm and keeping an optimistic demeanor. I would love to come out of this class and truly comprehend the sometimes complicated laws that make the world go ‘round. To conclude, my final goal is to strive to do my best on all assignments. I know it’s easy to just brush assignments off and put them off till the last minute, but that is not the ideal way to start of the school year.



1 comment:

  1. Anna,
    I enjoyed reading your blog; you had some interesting ideas involving the course itself. You made a really great point about how physics is unlike any other science. I hadn’t really thought of it in that way but it’s very true. It really cannot fully compare to biology or chemistry or any other science course we will take as students besides like AP physics.
    Your blog paralleled to mine when you asked about what physics had to do about your life. I live on the beach but other than ocean waves I’m not really sure how physics relates to my everyday life.
    One thing that you emphasized more on in your blog was maintaining a positive attitude in the class, which I did not focus on as much but I definitely agree with your outlook on this course. It is very important to remain upbeat and open minded especially in the struggles of physics.
    I was really impressed with your blog so I don’t have any criticism or corrections but I do have one question. Again, you talk a lot about maintaining a positive attitude but how do you plan on doing this?
    -Hannah V.

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