Challenges In Developing Physical Intuition In College General Physics Courses, Vasiliy S. Znamenskiy, Rafael Niyazov

Open Educational Resources

Many students can memorize formulas but struggle to feel what a newton, joule, or volt means; they treat formulas as plug-and-chug templates rather than descriptions of relationships among physical quantities. This presentation introduces three types of learning activities: (1) text-free (“no-text”) problems, in which carefully designed visuals replace prose to convey relationships and constraints; (2) anti-problems, which begin with a mathematical expression and ask students to imagine a physical situation it could describe; and (3) lab games that turn routine measurement into purposeful play, emphasizing estimation, scaling, and unit sense. We provide ready-made, Brightspace-compatible assessments alongside low-tech implementation options. The …

R12 Equivalent Resistance Reduction Steps, Vasiliy S. Znamenskiy, Rafael Niyazov

Open Educational Resources

We present a concise, step-by-step reduction of a symmetric resistor network to its equivalent resistance 𝑅₁₂, emphasizing visual reasoning over algebraic brute force. By redrawing the circuit to expose symmetry, we identify equipotential node pairs joined by ideal conductors; the “bottom” bridging resistor is shown to carry zero current and is removed from consideration. The remaining topology reduces by two repeated series combinations, where each left/right pair of equal resistors collapses to 2R. The final network is a three-branch parallel combination (2𝑅∥𝑅∥2𝑅), yielding the closed-form result 𝑅₁₂=𝑅/2. The procedure illustrates three transferable techniques for introductory circuit …

Citytech Algebra Based Physics Exam1 (Brightspace Quiz), Vasiliy S. Znamenskiy, Rafael Niyazov

Open Educational Resources

This Brightspace-based Exam 1 assesses foundational concepts in algebra-based physics through short, auto-graded items designed to provide clear feedback. The exam targets core learning outcomes from the opening units of the course: measurement and unit analysis, significant figures, one-dimensional kinematics with constant acceleration (relationships among 𝑥, 𝑣, 𝑎, 𝑡), and basic problem-solving with proportional reasoning. Question formats include numerical entry multiple choice focused on common misconceptions, and brief conceptual prompts that test qualitative understanding before calculation. The item set emphasizes translating among verbal descriptions, diagrams, formulas, and graphs; checking the reasonableness of results; and communicating precision. Randomized parameters and pooled …

Charging And Discharging Capacitors: Brightspace Package Of An Arithmetic Quiz, Vasiliy Znamenskiy

Open Educational Resources

Description:

This material is a quiz in the Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS). The quiz includes 10 physics problems on the topic of charging and discharging capacitors through a resistor.

The quiz assesses student understanding of key concepts, including voltage and charge of a capacitor, exponential functions, time constants, and dynamic changes in voltage and current.

Quiz problems are called in Brightspace LMS as arithmetic questions. The Problems give students random initial values to provide many quiz variants.

The quiz is appropriate for high school AP Physics or introductory college-level physics courses.

Key Features:

10-question quiz in Brightspace importable format …

Scp 231 Dictionary + Example Problems [General Physics 1], Daniel Capic

Open Educational Resources

Student-written definitions of key physics concepts that appear in SCP 231. There are also student-written word problems with links to instructor-created video solutions.

Physics 100 Level Laboratory Data Collection Tables, Kalani Hettiarachchilage

Open Educational Resources

The physics 100-level laboratory part demonstrates and applies the material learned from related classes. This document shows guidelines for collecting data and analyzing them by using Microsoft Excel. Laboratory components of PHY 114/ PHY 206/SLS 261 (Introduction to Physics and Nature of Physical Processes), PHY116/PHY 121 (Physics I and General Physics I), and PHY 156/PHY 161 (Physics II and General Physics II) at College of Staten Island are in-person mandatory sessions for students and it is required to pass to receive a passing grade for that class. This part is taught by different instructors. Although everyone is supposed to follow …

Physics Ii, Kalani Hettiarachchilage

Open Educational Resources

Physics II, class code PHY 156 at College of Staten Island is the second part of two two-semester algebra-based introductory physics courses. This course overlaps of the following topics laws of electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. The important laws of physics in these areas and problem-solving are emphasized. Problem solving is an integral part of the course, all contents are designed to think critically, analytically, and logically. Conceptual understanding is reinforced using interactive computer-based techniques, demonstrations, problem-solving strategies, and laboratory experiences. In this document, all the class materials including lectures, worksheets, homework, group work assignments, quizzes, and conceptual Slido …

Physics I, Kalani Hettiarachchilage

Open Educational Resources

Physics I, class code PHY 116 at College of Staten Island is the first part of a two-semester algebra-based introductory physics course. This course overlaps many topics in the laws of classical mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, wave motion, and sound. The important laws of physics in these areas and problem-solving are emphasized. Problem solving is an integral part of the course, all contents are designed to think critically, analytically, and logically. Conceptual understanding is reinforced using interactive computer-based techniques, demonstrations, problem-solving strategies, and laboratory experiences. In this document, all the class materials including lectures, worksheets, homework and group work assignments, …

Creative Physics Syllabus For Online Class, Kalani Hettiarachchilage

Open Educational Resources

Creative Physics syllabus for all information and guidelines will be a big help for students to know about the class structure, expectations, submission, personalized class materials, class ethics, and requirements in one place. This detailed syllabus will be a very effective way of expressing the information to the class. Creating a detailed syllabus and engaging activity of in the learning management system such as syllabus review activity will help students to navigate through important items on the syllabus.

Introduction To Physics, Kalani Hetti

Open Educational Resources

Introduction to physics, class code PHY 114 at college of Staten Island covers general physics concepts by using very simple algebraic calculations. Topics may include scientific measurements, significant figures, estimation, units, linear and rotational motion, vectors, forces, energy, momentum, collision, impulse, projectile motion, circular motion, thermodynamics, oscillating waves, electricity and magnetism, properties of lights, reflection, refraction, atomic nuclei, and radioactivity. This course is designed to teach general concepts and laws of physics to everyday life enforcing student’s critical thinking, logical patterns, organization, and everyday life applications. In this document, all the class materials including lectures, worksheets, homework assignments, quizzes, and …

University Physics I: Classical Mechanics, Julio Gea-Banacloche

Open Educational Resources

This is a textbook for the first semester of University Physics for scientists and engineers. It covers classical mechanics, and a brief introduction to thermodynamics. The presentation and approach are similar to Mazur’s “The Principles and Practice of Physics,” in that conservation laws are introduced before forces, and one-dimensional systems thoroughly covered before moving to two dimensions. Although the course is “calculus based,” the book has been written with the understanding that many students may be taking calculus simultaneously as a corequisite, so the use of calculus is relatively sparse.

This revised version (Fall 2019) takes into account a number …