Teaching Introductory Physics in the Context of Personal and Societal Issues of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

Guang Zeng, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Liang Zeng, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2023

Abstract

This paper reports on introductory physics instruction contextualized in terms of coronavirus-related personal and societal issues. Students in this descriptive qualitative study gained a strong grasp of a range of physics concepts associated with the nature and mechanisms of the spread of the coronavirus, such as projectile motion, air convection, Reynolds number, and Brownian motion; additionally, they were able to discuss the application of physics relevant to the N95 face masks. Students found this pedagogical approach engaging, as shown in their reflective writing.

Comments

© 2023 Author(s). Published under an exclusive license by American Association of Physics Teachers.

Recommended Citation

Zeng, Guang, and Liang Zeng. "Teaching Introductory Physics in the Context of Personal and Societal Issues of the COVID-19 Pandemic." The Physics Teacher 61, no. 9 (2023): 792-794. https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0080832

Publication Title

The Physics Teacher

DOI

10.1119/5.0080832