PHYS6646 (2025)

Section: Module 5 Geometric Optics | PHYS 6646: Learning & Teaching Advanced Topics In Trig-Based Physics (2025) | NJCTL

• Learning and Teaching PSI Advanced Topics in Trigonometry-Based Physics

  Welcome to Learning and Teaching PSI Advanced Topics in Trigonometry-Based Physics

  • Background: Online
  • Grading
  • Pedagogy
  • Course Materials

  This course is for teachers to learn the content of PSI Advanced Topics in Trigonometry-Based Physics and how to teach that course to students, while providing teachers a greater depth of understanding to support their teaching of PSI Algebra-Based Physics.  Topics include Rotational Physics, Fluid, Thermodynamics and Optics.

  Prerequisite: PHYS6601 or Instructor Approval

  Grade Distribution:
  

  Module Exams	70%
  Final Exam	10%
  Labs	6%
  Mastery Exercises	6%
  Short Answer Assignments	6%
  Reflection Paper	2%

  
  

  PSI course pedagogy combines brief bits of direct instruction on a topic with formative assessments questions designed to help students construct deeper knowledge as they solve increasingly complicated problems together in groups. There are three major sets of problems to solve: 

  • formative assessment problems built into a SMART notebook presentation and linked to student polling devices
    
  • accompanying classwork and homework problems
    
  • labs and virtual activities

  In the online version of the course, students have the option to watch a video or read direct instruction slides, then answer formative assessment questions about a topic. Once you've solved those problems you can move on to more practice by downloading the word documents with additional problems. 

  All of the course materials needed to teach this course to students can be found at https://njctl.org/courses/science/ap-physics-2/

  These materials include:

  • Unit Plans - outline the course topics, standards and corresponding activities
  • SMART Notebook presentations with direct instruction and formative assessment questions linked to polling devices
    
  • Classwork and homework documents with extra practice problems and answers
    
  • Labs - guided or inquiry versions with embedded videos to show teachers how to set up the lab
    
  • Quizzes - multiple versions to be given to students throughout each unit
    
  • Multiple Choice Review Guides 
    
  • Unit Tests - multiple versions are provided 

  
  

  
  

  • Select activity PHYS 6646 Course Syllabus

    

    PHYS 6646 Course Syllabus File
  • Select activity CTL Student Handbook

    

    CTL Student Handbook URL
  • Select activity Endorsement Written Response Rubric

    

    Endorsement Written Response Rubric File
  • Select activity Physics Equation Sheet

    

    Physics Equation Sheet File
  • Select activity Course Discussion Board

    

    Course Discussion Board Forum
  • Select activity Directions on how to access NJCTL's Library

    

    Directions on how to access NJCTL's Library URL
  • Select activity Click here to access NJCTL's Library

    

    Click here to access NJCTL's Library URL
  • Select activity Graduate Student Handbook

    

    Graduate Student Handbook URL
  • Select activity Thursdays 7-8 pm ET Zoom Meeting Link for Office Hours

    

    Thursdays 7-8 pm ET Zoom Meeting Link for Office Hours URL

    Join this zoom link on Thursdays between 7-8 pm ET to ask Yuriy any questions that you have about the Advanced Physics courses.
    

    Please note that you must email yuriy@njctl.org the day before to let him know you will be attending.