Physics: A World View with InfoTrac
- Book Review,
by Larry Kirkpatrick
From Book News, Inc.
Intended for non-science undergraduates, this introductory textbook describes the basic concepts and laws of motion, relativity, molecular structure, wave phenomena, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum physics. The fifth edition adds chapters on rotation and cosmology. Color photographs.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Book Description
In this edition, Larry Kirkpatrick is joined by new co-author, Gregory E. Francis (Montana State University) whose love of teaching has led him to experiment with active learning approaches in large introductory classes. This Fifth Edition retains the text's hallmark clear and logical conceptual presentation of physics concepts and principles (using a story line about the development of the current physics world view) written at the appropriate level for the liberal arts student Francis' subtle integration of physics education principles throughout the text includes a new feature--FLAWED REASONING--that poses a common student misunderstanding and explains the error in reasoning. To create level-appropriate language for students, the authors translate the logic, vocabulary, and values of physics into longer, less tightly structured narration that students can easily understand. And while the text incorporates minimal mathematics, there is an optional, slightly more detailed, numerical student supplement avialable that reveals more of the beauty and power of mathematics in physics.
About the Author
Larry Kirkpatrick has always been a teacher; he just didn't know it. After receiving a B.S. in physics from Washington State University and a Ph.D. in experimental high-energy physics from MIT, he began his academic career at the University of Washington as a typical faculty member. However, he found that he was spending more and more time in the classroom and less and less time in the laboratory. Finally, he decided that he would get a position teaching physics full-time, or he would quit physics and use his computer skills to make lots of money. Fortunately, Montana State University hired him to teach physics in 1974. He served eight years as academic director of the U.S. Physics Team that competes in the International Physics Olympiad each summer and has also served as President of the American Association of Physics Teachers. Kirkpatrick retired last year, so that he can concentrate on teaching, writing, and playing golf.
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