NUS: Is this Physics or Magic? Learning Physics through Minds-on Science Demonstration

Is this MOOC an introduction to Physics or Magic? Here's calling all curious minds from every corner of the globe to join us to learn physics via science demonstrations which are exciting, visually appealing and thought provoking. In this MOOC, you'll get to witness how demonstrations can add reality and vividness to the process of concept formation, and pick up one or two scientific nuggets along the way..

Physics for Beginners: Minds-On Science Demonstrations

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of physics with our "Physics for Beginners: Minds-On Science Demonstrations" course. This introductory-physics-concepts course is designed to transform the way you perceive and understand physics, making it accessible, engaging, and relevant to everyday life. Through a series of carefully crafted minds-on-science-demonstrations and interactive-physics-learning experiences, you'll discover the fascinating principles that govern our universe.

What students will learn from the course:

Fundamental physics concepts through practical demonstrations
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a physics context
How to apply physics principles to real-world situations
The ability to explain complex physics phenomena using simple models
Develop a deeper understanding of abstract-physics-concepts
Enhance logical reasoning and deductive inference skills in physics

Pre-requisites or skills necessary to complete the course:

This physics-beginners-course is designed for those with no prior physics knowledge. A basic understanding of high school mathematics and a curious mind are all you need to get started on your physics learning journey.

What the course will cover:

Classical Mechanics: Exploring motion, force, and energy
Center of gravity and balance
Rigid body dynamics
Fluid mechanics through Cartesian Divers
Electrostatics and electromagnetic induction
Sound waves and resonance
Optical phenomena and photoelasticity
Heat transfer and visualization
Counterintuitive physics experiments

Who this course is for:

Curious beginners with no prior physics knowledge
Students looking to supplement their formal physics education
Lifelong learners interested in understanding the world around them
Teachers seeking innovative ways to demonstrate physics concepts
Anyone who wants to overcome their fear of physics through engaging demonstrations

How learners can use these skills in the real world:

Improved problem-solving abilities in everyday situations
Enhanced critical thinking skills applicable to various fields
Better understanding of technological advancements and scientific news
Ability to explain natural phenomena to others
Increased appreciation for the role of physics in modern technology
Application of physics principles in hobbies and DIY projects

Syllabus:

Week 1: Simple yet fascinating!

Classical Mechanics demonstrations with everyday objects
Center of gravity and balancing experiments
Exploring objects rolling up slopes
Meter ruler experiments

Week 2: Simple yet fascinating (more)!

The strange behavior of rolling objects
Fun with rigid body: ball falling into a cup

Week 3: Cartesian Divers Overload!

In-depth exploration of Cartesian Divers and fluid mechanics

Week 4: Super-charged and Fun with Electromagnetic Induction

Electrostatic forces demonstrations using a Wimshurst Machine
Basic concepts in electromagnetism and induced electric fields

Week 5: The Science of Sound and the Sound of Science

Sound creation and propagation
Resonance experiments with household items

Week 6: Miscellaneous and Wondrous Science Demo

Photoelasticity and fascinating optical phenomena
Amazing fluorescence emission experiments
Heat visualization techniques
Surprising strength demonstrations with ice and tissue paper

This sequential-learning-format course utilizes physics-demonstration-videos, interactive assessments, and hands-on experiments to guide you through a transformative physics-learning-journey. By the end of the course, you'll have gained deeper-insights-in-physics and developed a solid foundation for further exploration in this fascinating field. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the wonders of physics through engaging, minds-on learning experiences!