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Teaching physics isn’t rocket science
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Wearing a shirt that read, "Actually I am a rocket scientist," Paul Monroe (left) explained physics concepts on Dec. 19 with the help of a few second-graders.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Monroe taught the second graders about basic physics concepts on Dec. 19 as he explained the forces of gravity and air resistance when throwing a football between two people.
By SARAH FOOR
Paul Monroe visited Robin Krempasky’s second-grade classroom on Dec. 19 wearing a shirt with the words “Actually, I am a rocket scientist!”
Monroe, an electrical engineering major at the University of Pittsburgh and co-op employee at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, came to talk to Krempasky’s students about science concepts that apply to their everyday lives.
“Paul says that his approach will be to explore interactive, simple concepts with cool toys. He’s definitely making some of the basics that we’ll be covering in science this year really come alive,” Krempasky said.
Monroe explored topics in physics like energy, motion, gravity, force and electricity. Each concept was matched with a demonstration that translated the advanced subjects into clear ideas.
Monroe showed his preference for the Pittsburgh Steelers when he explained projectile motion and the how the concepts of force, friction and gravity affect how a ball would be thrown between Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward.
An air cannon taught the kids about pressure and potential energy and Monroe even showed off a basic calculator he had made to show concepts of electricity.
“I know that learning the specifics of physics is really far away for you guys, but many of these concepts are used in toys you’ll receive on Christmas or your birthday. It’s a cool subject and I hope maybe you’ll look for some of the things we talked about while you play,” Monroe said.