Teaching Physics Through
Concept Contests
Physics@Mac
• Online Physics Contest
http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/macsci/outreach/physicsastronomy/physicsmac-online-physics-competition.html
• Video Contest
http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/macsci/outreach/physicsastronomy/physics-video-contest.html
Online Physics Contest Statistics
2009
262 teams (462 students), 24 schools
6% Grade 9-10, 36% Grade 11, 58& Grade 12
Average Score: 5 , Average Completion Time: < 50 mins
2010
294 teams (501 students), 21 schools
9% Grade 10, 44% Grade 11, 47% Grade 12
Average Score: 4, Average Completion Time: < 50 mins
2011
341 teams (566 students), 34 schools
3% Grade 10, 52% Grade 11, 45% Grade 12
Average Score: 5, Average Completion Time: < 50 mins
Online Physics Contest - Feedback
• The kids really enjoyed the "doability" of the contest!
PhysicsTeacher, TDSB
• This is a contest we would do again because all grade levels can
do it to some level of proficiency and they have fun doing it.
Physics Teacher, TDSB
• The students really did seem to like the contest. They were quite
engaged with the questions, which really got them thinking. What
I liked the most about it was the discussion and sharing of
opinions on the questions which took place. Even some students
who didn't sign up for the contest wanted to know what the
questions were. Physics Teacher HWDSB
Online Physics Contest - Feedback
• We did this contest during class time today and it was very well
received. Students were enthusiastically discussing the possible
solutions (and sometimes falling for the "foils"!), but still staying
on task and having fun. Physics Teacher, HWDSB
• Thanks for running this contest for the students again. It is really
a fun one. Physics Teacher, TDSB
•
Thank you for running this contest! It's a wonderful opportunity
for students to get involved! Physics Teacher, YRDSB
Online Physics Contest - Feedback
• There was very rich discussion amongst each team and a focus
on critical thinking rather than number crunching and formula
memorizing. Physics Teacher YRDSB
• Your approach makes perfect sense to me. A focus on
understanding rather than formula-plugging is what we strive
for, and it is a tough fight. Physics Teacher, TDSB
• I was a bit surprised to notice some of the misconceptions that
the students argued for quite vigorously! This could
potentially give me a great new route to "get at" some of these
misconceptions. Physics Teacher, HWDSB
Online Physics Contest - Feedback
• It was intriguing to watch them work in their pairs, articulating
their reasoning for solutions. That was very informative and
valuable. Good stuff. Physics Teacher, YRDSB
• It's really interesting to see the way they discuss the things
they have learned and try to apply their knowledge to new or
slightly different situations. Physics Teacher, HWDSB
• Do you have explanations to all of the questions? They're very
good conceptual questions to ask on tests. Physics Teacher,
HWCDSB
Video Contest
Spring 2010
• Concept: Electrical Potential: Explain It To your Friends
• Eight good videos
Fall 2010
• Concept: Optics in Your Everyday Life
• Ten good videos
Statistics/Trends
• Participation from 6 school boards
• 69% receiving Prizes or Honourable Mention were girls.
McMaster’s Physics & Astronomy
Outreach
www.physics.mcmaster.ca, “Outreach”
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Community of Physics Teachers Meetings
Physical Sciences@Mac Activities
Engineering & Science Olympics
Physics@Mac Online Physics Contest
Physics@Mac Video Contest
Planetarium Shows
3D Theatre
Origins Institute Public Lectures