Historical Context
Students need to understand that the nature of science is as important is key part of learning about science. Understanding the historical antecedents of historical scientific research and discovery influences understanding of the science curriculum. For example, the concept of the atom put forth by the Greeks and the later periodic patterns discovered in the atoms of the elements could be looked at as a series of historical anecdotes. It is clear that human curiosity and the power of the imagination lead the way to advances in scientific knowledge. By tracing the historical development of atomic theory it is possible to show students that "science" is an ongoing process and that we continue to learn based on what is already known.
It is this idea which led me to develop and present this 10 minute lesson for Perspectives class on the topic of Richard Feynman the physicist. Of all the students in my class, I was the only one who had heard of Richard Feynman although they had heard of the Manhattan Project, of course. One of Feynman's most striking stories is of him telling about how his father said you could learn all the names of the birds and you would still know nothing about birds. As Feynman related the story he then says his father said you must observe the birds to know something about birds. As a teacher I took this to mean that it is pointless to give our students names for things with out explaining what the concept and how it works. It would be best case, if the named concept can be demonstrated so it can be observed.
Richard Feynman, 10 minute Lesson Plan
Author: Robin Foster
Title/Date Lesson will be taught: June 24, 2013
Richard Feynman: physicist, artist, musician, prankster, teacher:
Grade Level: college
Lesson Source:
“Classic Feynman” by Richard Feynman, edited by Ralph Leighton, Web page http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/Feynman.html
Objective:
Present perceptions of Richard Feynman as a man and as a scientist and note his contributions to science
Provide insight into the complex character of Richard Feynman and scientists in general:
Slide 1:
Introduction to Feynman with highlights of notable personal characteristics: as an artist, teacher, lecturer, musician, adventurer.
Slide 2:
Briefly touching on regular biographical information, emphasis on Manhattan Project and Challenger investigation.
Slide 3:
Lesson from Feynman’s father: naming a bird doesn’t mean you understand it tied into the part of Feynman’s personality that led him to continually question why and how.
Slide 4:
Disrespect for authority, taught to him by his father, allowed him to question established theories and through hard work to reach new and relevant conclusions.
Slide 5:
As a child he set up his own lab at age 11, started repairing radios at age 12 forming a basis of understanding for his later work.
Slide 6:
He was a family man, married twice and has 2 children.
Slide 7:
Conclusion: In the end Feynman’s crowning contribution was creating a language now used by physicists all over the world. This is what scientists do, create new ways of understanding and build on the knowledge that went before.
Slide 8:
For reference, showing the covers of both books.
Students need to understand that the nature of science is as important is key part of learning about science. Understanding the historical antecedents of historical scientific research and discovery influences understanding of the science curriculum. For example, the concept of the atom put forth by the Greeks and the later periodic patterns discovered in the atoms of the elements could be looked at as a series of historical anecdotes. It is clear that human curiosity and the power of the imagination lead the way to advances in scientific knowledge. By tracing the historical development of atomic theory it is possible to show students that "science" is an ongoing process and that we continue to learn based on what is already known.
It is this idea which led me to develop and present this 10 minute lesson for Perspectives class on the topic of Richard Feynman the physicist. Of all the students in my class, I was the only one who had heard of Richard Feynman although they had heard of the Manhattan Project, of course. One of Feynman's most striking stories is of him telling about how his father said you could learn all the names of the birds and you would still know nothing about birds. As Feynman related the story he then says his father said you must observe the birds to know something about birds. As a teacher I took this to mean that it is pointless to give our students names for things with out explaining what the concept and how it works. It would be best case, if the named concept can be demonstrated so it can be observed.
Richard Feynman, 10 minute Lesson Plan
Author: Robin Foster
Title/Date Lesson will be taught: June 24, 2013
Richard Feynman: physicist, artist, musician, prankster, teacher:
Grade Level: college
Lesson Source:
“Classic Feynman” by Richard Feynman, edited by Ralph Leighton, Web page http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/Feynman.html
Objective:
Present perceptions of Richard Feynman as a man and as a scientist and note his contributions to science
Provide insight into the complex character of Richard Feynman and scientists in general:
Slide 1:
Introduction to Feynman with highlights of notable personal characteristics: as an artist, teacher, lecturer, musician, adventurer.
Slide 2:
Briefly touching on regular biographical information, emphasis on Manhattan Project and Challenger investigation.
Slide 3:
Lesson from Feynman’s father: naming a bird doesn’t mean you understand it tied into the part of Feynman’s personality that led him to continually question why and how.
Slide 4:
Disrespect for authority, taught to him by his father, allowed him to question established theories and through hard work to reach new and relevant conclusions.
Slide 5:
As a child he set up his own lab at age 11, started repairing radios at age 12 forming a basis of understanding for his later work.
Slide 6:
He was a family man, married twice and has 2 children.
Slide 7:
Conclusion: In the end Feynman’s crowning contribution was creating a language now used by physicists all over the world. This is what scientists do, create new ways of understanding and build on the knowledge that went before.
Slide 8:
For reference, showing the covers of both books.