Denise Cantu
Creator of Mega Big Brain
Many people, regardless of age, are intimidated by subjects like physics and algebra. During high school, I noticed friends who were scared of the word “algebra,” so I simplified it by using blanks instead of variable letters (e.g., 1 + _ = 6). This made the solutions obvious and helped alleviate their fears. This experience underscores the importance of teaching with a positive mindset. Learning should be an enjoyable exploration, not a daunting task. On any given day, our brains might not function at their peak, which is perfectly normal. The essence of education lies in learning how to think. While I can’t dictate how one should think, I can encourage using all available inputs—sight, sound, smell, taste, touch—and even extend beyond these with technology to understand the world. Great thinkers have often pondered the art of thinking itself, especially when they became parents. This responsibility often leads to a reflection on how best to teach thinking skills. Now, with my own experiences, I find myself part of this community, re-evaluating how to teach and think when faced with educating children or a group of young minds.
Enter the legends of physics education: Arnold B. Arons, Robert Karplus, Richard Feynman, and Anton Lawson.
Arnold B. Arons was a pioneer in teaching introductory physics, emphasizing conceptual understanding over rote learning. His work has been a beacon for educators looking to clarify complex ideas in physics for students at all levels. (https://prabook.com/web/arnold.arons/3744850)
Robert Karplus took a different approach by focusing on science education from an early age. His work with the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) aimed at developing logical thinking through interactive learning experiences. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Karplus)
Richard Feynman, known for his remarkable ability to explain physics in an accessible way, contributed through his famous lectures at Caltech. His method of teaching was legendary, involving storytelling and vivid explanations that made physics not just understandable but genuinely fascinating.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Feynman_Lectures_on_Physics)
Lastly, Anton Lawson’s research on how students develop reasoning skills in science has been influential. He developed the “learning cycle” approach, which encourages students to explore concepts, propose hypotheses, and apply new knowledge, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of scientific principles.(https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-007-0876-1_4)
These educators have collectively reshaped how we approach teaching science, proving that the journey of learning is as much about the journey of the mind as it is about the destination of knowledge.
https://web.phys.ksu.edu/icpe/Newsletters/n34/Book.htm
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/243413908_Teaching_Introductory_Physics_Arnold_B_Arons