The Physics Teaching Podcast

Jan 20 2025 138 ep. 31 mins 284

The Physics Teaching Podcast artwork

We believe that physics teaching is a wonderful thing, but are aware not everyone agrees. In the UK more and more non-specialists are getting the opportunity (welcome or otherwise) to shine a light on peoples misconceptions about the World around them.We started this podcast to provide useful information about how some of the best physics teachers we know teach the subject. Nearly always the answer will be ‘do some practical work’, which we know is essential to grounding understanding as well as being fun to do and making lessons easier to manage.

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New Year's Resolutions

Jan 20 2025 24 mins

We chat with Callum Farnsworth about his exciting project as an Ogden Senior Teaching Fellow developing resources for use alongside much loved by physics teacher's PHET tools. Callum's website is called 'PHET Effect'. It's January and hence what better time to also talk about some teaching New Year Resolutions too! Thomas and Callum come up with some super

Ogden Fellows and Seasonal Practicals

Dec 11 2024 33 mins

We chat with Jed Marshall and Simon Poliakoff about being and Ogden Senior Teaching Fellow which leads on to fun things to do with classes at Christmas which are solidly physicsy.Thomas is a bit of a curmudgeon but grudgingly comes out with one he uses around fireworks night, but Jed and Rosie have some great ideas. Teabag Rockets Holograms using a phone Sparking Giant Capacitor

Easy and Fun Physics for Science Week

Nov 27 2024 26 mins

We talk to Ogden Partnership Coordinator Natasha Peachey who inspires us to think about Science Week 2025. Simon Poliakoff then joins us to give us some beautiful ideas for Physics activities.LinksBruce Yeany – Home Made Science Channel on YouTube Bruce Yeany – Balloon on glass based recipe for big bubbles Tri-String for bubbles Simon’s YouTube Channel –

A-Level Particles with Dr Ben Still

Nov 14 2024 26 mins

We catch up with teacher and author Dr Ben Still to get tips on how to address Particles at A-Level.The podcast starts with the sad news that Robin is finding it impossible to make enough time for the podcast in his new job – he is stepping back for the time being and will contribute again when he feels he can. He actually joined to contribute to this episode in his 30 minute

Inspiration with Sir Peter Ogden

Oct 10 2024 28 mins

The first in our series of interviews with the Ogden Trust and a glimpse into the key life experiences that motivated Sir Peter Ogden towards a life time career supporting physics educators and education. Thomas, Robin and I reminisce about the inspirational teachers that lead us into careers in physics education; Quirky characters and memorable methods abound. We also share our fa

Primary Physics with Ben Rogers - Space

Sep 25 2024 28 mins

This week, as the term starts, Rosie has been using plastic bottles to allow her year 10s to ‘feel’ gas pressure increasing with temperature. Thomas has had to slow down and take things easy having lost his voice (but thankfully he recovered in time to join us to record this podcast) and Robin has made the time within his fast-and-furious schedule at his new school to s

Ramps and Trolleys

Sep 05 2024 19 mins

Welcome back for another year of Physics Teaching ramblings. It has been a momentous Summer with Thomas cycling off into the mountains for his sabbatical, Robin becoming ever more important in his new school and the arrival on board of the new co-host Rosie McTavish. Robin and Thomas visited Rosie at McTavish Towers to deliver her vacuum cannon and think about the year ahead. We fo

The Ogden Trust - Teaser Episode

Jul 22 2024 14 mins

Thomas tells Rosie about some exciting new episodes coming in September.

Breakthrough Technologies III: Graphics Tablets

Jun 19 2024 34 mins

Dr David Boyce returns to share his solution to a dilemma: how do you bring your classroom up to date digitally, but avoid all your students disappearing down the internet rabbit hole.

Breakthrough Technologies in Physics Teaching: Exploring AI with Dr. David Boyce

Jun 12 2024 35 mins

The second in our trilogy of breakthrough technologies in Physics teaching, Dr David Boyce takes us on a journey through AI, its possibilities and how he has used it.Sharp eyed listeners will note that the title of this podcast does not match the episode art. This is becuase AI renamed the episode for us…Don’t forget that the vacuum cannon is back on sale!The Apocrophal