UC physics course expands access to college prep curriculum

Nathan Alvarez, a junior at Clark Montessori High School, earned his physics credit in six weeks this summer through a free online physics course coordinated by the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Public Schools.

The UC College of Engineering and Applied Science launched the pilot course last year to give students more opportunities to meet the admission requirements for science, technology, engineering, and math programs in college.

Alvarez shared his experiences with UC to encourage other students to participate in the program. 

Alvarez: I really loved that, even though we were online, we still had hands-on learning and I was able to work with the other students, so it was really fun. 

There was definitely more hands-on learning with this physics course than even what my school does, which is a lot. That was fun to adapt to and made the learning interesting.  

The instructor allowed us to be leaders ourselves, where we would teach the other students if we understood a topic. 

I also had one of my friends in the class, so we talked about the course. It actually made it super easy. 

Alvarez: I would definitely tell them it would be fun and good for making connections with other people.  

They can get ahead since this course is during the summer, and usually you have to take a semester-long course. 

It's a little difficult, but the instructors help you a lot. They're very supportive and sympathetic about the challenges of the course. It was just very welcoming. 

Alvarez: It was kind of hard to understand some of the formulas. We got a lot of formulas and content to memorize, which is fine, but at a certain level, it gets harder and harder to think.  

I would say it was most challenging when I didn’t ask enough questions at times when I didn’t understand. 

Alvarez: Figuring out how to use those formulas and learning how to use it in real life.  

When I figured out how to use the formula to successfully calculate the force of gravity on an object, I felt really proud about that. 

Bradney Ciminowasielewski, physics teacher and science department facilitator at Winton Woods High School, has taught the course for two years now. He shared his reflections. 

Ciminowasielewski: Nathan’s been successful because of his willingness and eagerness to learn. He never shies away from the intense challenges and demands of physics.

Ciminowasielewski: Nathan’s demonstrated superb problem-solving skills, both by himself and in group settings. He has shown that he can be a leader as well as a contributing member of his group.  He relates to people well and excels at developing meaningful relationships. 

Nathan has the ability to stop, think about a problem, come up with a solution and then share that solution with excellent communication skills. I believe these skills will push Nathan to be a top academic performer at any level.  

Ciminowasielewski: The CPS Strong UC Physics Class is a phenomenal program to give students the opportunity to engage with physics on a level that is much deeper than in a traditional setting. This is thanks to the time and resources provided by the University of Cincinnati. 

I am excited about the learning experiences we create and look forward to even more catapults, drones and rockets! 

Image featured at top: "Working at office." Photo/Javier Quesada/Unsplash.