Photography as a means of narrowing the gap between physics and students

Abstract

Many teachers would agree that not all their A-level students appreciate the beauty of physics or enjoy solving complex problems. In this article, we describe a photo-contest activity aimed at narrowing the gap between physics and students. The photo contest, involving both students and teachers, is guided by the National Center of Physics Teachers in Israel. Students were requested to photograph a natural or contrived phenomenon, explain it using physical concepts and principles, present it to their classmates and finally submit the photographs to be judged by other students, teachers and a central committee consisting of experts, photographers and physicists.Seven teachers whose students were involved in the photo contest were interviewed. Teachers reported that, although only a few students presented their photos to the contest, many others were involved in various stages of the contest. The teachers were surprised to discover that the participating students were not necessarily the traditional high-achievers. All the teachers interviewed integrated the photographs into their regular physics lessons.

Using photographs to elicit student ideas about physics: The case of an unusual liquid-level phenomenon

“…To encourage discussion in class, Corni [22] proposed the use of unusual images, such as photos with projections of the Sun eclipse on children's bodies in the shade of leafy trees. Bagno et al [23] believe that photo contests are a good opportunity for active learning in physics. Within these contests students are required to choose independently a phenomenon they find interesting, explain it by using physical concepts and principles, present it to their classmates and finally submit it for evaluation.…”

Depth of field and the vanishing fence

“…Examples of teaching photography to physics majors [1] and non-science majors [2] have been fairly common for the past few decades. Student assignments 'to photograph a natural or contrived phenomenon' have also been used to narrow 'the gap between physics and students' [3]. Students can use digital cameras to take photos and videos of the 'vanishing fence phenomenon' described in this paper.…”