Physics: Try This at Home: Do it yourself physics for the fearful

Rubin, Paul: - Paul Rubin was a high school physics teacher for 19 years at Liberty Hill High School, just outside of Austin, Texas. He taught three different levels of physics: Conceptual Physics, Pre-AP Physics and Advanced Placement physics. His students consistently scored above Texas and national averages on their AP physics exams. His focus was on demonstrations and activities that illustrated key physics ideas, as well as helping students make connections between the subject and their experiences. In upper level courses where there were greater amounts of math and problem solving, his approach was to first introduce the physics concept, then show how an equation tied to the concept, then assist students understanding how to use the equations to relate to, then solve, problems. Through almost 2 decades teaching physics, he saw those areas of the subject that were most difficult for students, and was able to adjust his curriculum and teaching methods to maximize student success in learning. Prior to teaching, Mr. Rubin spent 15 years in the computer software and hardware business as a product manager with Computer Associates Micro Division and Compaq Computer Corp, then as Director of Product Marketing for Dell Computer Corp.