2007-04-30 17:22:21 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
People think of physics as practically impossible and anyone who dares attempt the subject must be a genius. It seems nowadays people would rather take the easy route than the challenging one, and usually those who want a challenge just don't hear enough about physics to even be interested.
At my university there are a whopping 14 physics majors...total, freshmen through seniors. The student to teacher ration of the upper classes are 2:1. But the I think the problem lies in knowing what you can do with a degree in physics. People see CSI and all that on TV and get interested in forensics - of which physics is definitely used - but the focus is on the chemistry and the detective work it seems.
Point is we need to get out there, high school recruitment for college, national/regional events for anyone not just AIP members. Basically it's an idea of just getting the idea out there, those students that want the challenge will take it if they are given enough info about it and I feel there isn't enough info on physics and physics related industries for kids to grasp.
2007-05-01 10:15:54 · answer #1 · answered by Rich W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Physicists aren't in the best position to do that. It's more educators and parents. Get education out of the hands of governments, politicians, and unions. Teach people how to think. Respect, rather than ridicule, people who do think. Care more about how this world works and how we can improve it than who's playing on what TV show.
2007-05-01 02:48:49 · answer #2 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to reach kids at an early age when they are making decisions about their elective subjects at school.
Popular TV shows like CSI have influenced many students to take up science. A hot, new show focused on physics is what we need!
2007-05-01 00:37:29 · answer #3 · answered by folkfairyfluffy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both highschool and college physics teachers need to stimulate students to like physics. My daughter did great in physics in highschool because I taught her. Her physics teacher talked to himself most of the time. At college, her physics teacher pulled such a hard curve and made things so complicated that all the students dropped out of the major program.
There are teachers who are more interested in impressing their students than "recruiting" them.
2007-05-01 00:56:30 · answer #4 · answered by Sir Richard 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋