Counter Appeal to MTSD Science Department Reevaluation

Dear MTSD, Coming from an avid physics enthusiast, I believe that this is truly a wrong decision in regards to the STEM focus of Montgomery. As a school with a STEM mindset, it is vital to provide as many open minded opportunities to students regardless of their abilities. There have been numerous well known physicists that while in High School, hated physics because of the math content. But physics is NOT all about math. Those prominent figures however, were exposed to the experimental and creative nature behind physics. The entire purpose of mathematics in physics is to describe how nature works. After all, physics is the study of the very nature around us all. The experimental nature of physics comes down to demonstrating how the mathematical principles of physics work and proving the existence of new ones. Many people at CERN(The European Council for Nuclear Research) started out as having degrees in the arts. But after discovering a physics course at their respective colleges that broadened their mind on the experimental nature of physics, they began their journey of becoming one. This is why the district should provide the more experimental and non-math rigorous approach to those who do not prefer a theoretical approach in hopes of not necessarily forcing them to become physicists, but to expose them to the other side of physics that most students do not see. On the contrary, there are those who think that the current curriculum in physics is not mathematically rigorous enough. In that case, it would be most logical to expose them into the true beauty of how math comes into play in describing and predicting the nature around us. Doing this may either fuel students to further pursue the theoretical aspect of physics, or it may give them a second thought that maybe the experimental aspect of physics is well suited for them. From my experience, the current physics curriculum attempts to delve into the theoretical aspects of physics, but

Students in 8th grade are already told that in order to succeed in Physics Honors, they must be prepared to do additional learning outside of the classroom. If students do not heed this advice, then they only have themselves to blame.

I am complete agreement having taken these courses I clearly see the benefits of the lineage and know a numerous amount of people who did well in physics as it boils down to being the equivalen of math word problems. Many students fail to grasp that during their transition to high school they need to work harder especially taking an honors course. I know many students that blame teachers when they themselves have sat on their phones throughout class.

Keep physics!

Blaming others for not understanding physics is a foolish thought. Physics is logical reasoning, and students need to develop the ability to adapt their thought process and be able to apply reasoning. The science department in Montgomery has flaws, but it is still top notch, and teachers are not supposed to answer your questions; you need to be able to figure out how to solve your own problems and try to think about your flaws in reasoning and going about a problem or concept.

This is a very delicate balance: the current program has done a great job of promoting critical thinking, but many kids have been left behind. We cannot under any circumstances get rid of Physics First - physics is the conceptual base under all of science. We must come together, as students, teachers, administrators, and parents, and democratically decide what is the correct course of action. This petition is the correct starting point.

To eradicate is to create more problems. To reform is to reduce problems. The reason why Montgomery Township Schools are so highly ranked is because the standards instituted are very rigorous. For those against Physics First, think again. And don't scapegoat the school your children go to because there could be other factors in play.

Students should be prepared to take a difficult science course. It only gets harder from physics honors.

For someone to blame struggles in science solely on "physics first" is outrageous, you would never sue Coca Cola for a cavity!

They should keep fisics as freshmen course but make a prerequisite for it.

Good job with the he petition!! I whole heartedly agree with this. Students who take an honors physics class have to put in the effort, they can't just assume that they'll get an A.

People who can't handle physics need to take a lower level.

Rahul Harikrishnan for BOE

Many freshmen think that physics should be an easy class and refuse to put in the work necessary to get an A. Teachers are supposed to guide students to the answers, not just tell them so that the students can memorize the answers for the test and then forget all of the information "learned".

Whole heartedly agree, great job you guys :)

The problem is that the teachers do not teach and when students ask questions they ask the question back. That does not help the student in any way. The problem is not the order of the sciences.

The MHS Science curriculum should foster curiosity in the sciences, not crush the fun out of them.

I hate physics but it is necessary in order for students to be capable of mastering more advanced sciences.

Allow freshmen to take AP Physics C as well.