The Regional High School District Course Proficiencies states: “Demonstrate an awareness of some of the common concepts of modern physics relating to the atom…” This clearly states that students are supposed to understand ideas of 20th century physics.

 

There are very important ideas from the 20th century that high school students should know, such as:

 

If we permit our students to graduate viewing the world as scientists from the 19th century viewed it, we are doing an injustice and failing our obligations as professionals.

 

Another important thing is to be very explicit on what is mathematics and what is physics.

 

Mathematics is logic, based upon arbitrary assumptions, with the sole requirement of consistency. Students frequently do not understand what the word arbitrary means. It means that we can say anything we want, as long as we are making sense and do not contradict ourselves. Isn't it fun to say anything you want? Math is fun!

 

SEE THE BOOK FOR MORE DETAILS.