Independent Thoughts and Exploration in Physics

Independent Thoughts and Exploration in Physics teaches physics using an inquiry-based approach. Using stories to engage with students, the textbook follows a compelling comic-strip narrative with consistent characters which take students on ‘missions’ that involve solving physics-based tasks. These tasks are split into multiple levels to accommodate beginners and advance learners alike. Fully equipped with lesson plans to aid lecturers, it also includes comprehensive labs that can be set up quickly and affordably across the world. The book covers foundational concepts commonly taught in introductory physics and is engaging for both students on both high school and college-level courses.

Online supplementary material for instructors include instructor solutions to the student workbook questions and powerpoint slides.

Key Features:

· Class-tested textbook with accompanying student workbook.

· Structured around an engaging comic-strip narrative and ‘missions’.

· Extra instructor resources available online including videos, powerpoint presentations, extra labs and solutions manual.

Samya Zain received her Ph.D. in experimental particle physics in 2006 and after two years of post-doctoral fellowship with the ATLAS detector at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, she joined Susquehanna University as an assistant professor in 2008, where she currently serves as a professor in the Department of Physics. She is very interested in physics pedagogical research and has presented the pedagogical work done at Susquehanna University world-wide.

Valerie Allison is a professor of education who teaches and advises students in Susquehanna University’s secondary education program. She teaches courses at the undergraduate and graduate level on methods of secondary instruction, classroom management, curriculum design, and educational research methodology. Her primary research focus is practitioner research including action research and self-study. She has co-authored several articles published in Studying Teacher Education, Reflective Practice and other peer-reviewed journals.