Synopsis
In this edition, Larry Kirkpatrick is joined by new co-author, Gregory E. Francis (Montana State University) whose love of teaching has led him to experiment with active learning approaches in large introductory classes. This Fifth Edition retains the text's hallmark clear and logical conceptual presentation of physics concepts and principles (using a story line about the development of the current physics world view) written at the appropriate level for the liberal arts student Francis' subtle integration of physics education principles throughout the text includes a new feature--FLAWED REASONING--that poses a common student misunderstanding and explains the error in reasoning. To create level-appropriate language for students, the authors translate the logic, vocabulary, and values of physics into longer, less tightly structured narration that students can easily understand. And while the text incorporates minimal mathematics, there is an optional, slightly more detailed, numerical student supplement avialable that reveals more of the beauty and power of mathematics in physics.
About the Authors
Larry Kirkpatrick has always been a teacher; he just didn't know it. After receiving a B.S. in physics from Washington State University and a Ph.D. in experimental high-energy physics from MIT, he began his academic career at the University of Washington as a typical faculty member. However, he found that he was spending more and more time in the classroom and less and less time in the laboratory. Finally, he decided that he would get a position teaching physics full time or he would quit physics and use his computer skills to make lots of money. Fortunately, Montana State University hired him to teach physics. He served for eight years as academic director of the U.S. Physics Team that competes in the International Physics Olympiad each summer and has also served as President of the American Association of Physics Teachers. He retired in 2002 to concentrate on teaching, writing, ranching, and playing golf.
Greg Francis is a professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University. He earned his Ph.D. in cognitive and neural systems from Boston University in 1993. His research investigates properties of neural networks and visual perception. He also was coauthor of the Coglab Reader, Coglab on a CD, and Social Psychology Laboratory.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
