Phenomenal Physics: A Guided Inquiry Curriculum for Pre-College Education, Teacher Preparation, and Conceptual Physics Instruction at the College Level

The philosophy behind the text is one which emphasizes not just knowledge acquisition, but the opportunity and ability to do science. The student becomes the scientist! Further, every attempt is made to take full advantage of real-life experience with activities designed to integrate into and expand existing world views. The physics encountered is real rather than theoretical or hypothetical. Activities are designed to confront potential problems due to ``Aristotelean thinking'' or preconceived notions based on popular ``folklore'' rather than sound science. Skepticism is encouraged as is a healthy respect for the limitations and proper applications of models. The writing style and even the illustrations are constructed in a manner intended to give the book a user friendly ``feel.'' Some humor and whimsy (particularly in titles of activities) help to convey this sense of approachability. Every attempt has been made to reach out and speak to students on a personal level.