Used with permission from:
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PHYSICS IN
CAREERS
| Elementary or Middle
School Teacher |
| |
It has been said that children are born scientists.
This is best illustrated by the questions they constantly ask.
Teaching at the elementary or middle school level presents the
challenge of keeping that curiosity alive while teaching new ideas.
Why do you get electric shocks in cold, dry weather? Does a stick of
dynamite contain force? What makes rainbows form? How cold can it
get? Individuals who themselves appreciate science often have a
special gift for teaching young children. Curiosity out the world
around us is a common bond of children and scientists. |
| Athlete |
| |
When you watch an athlete, you are seeing the
principles of physics in motion. The bat hitting the baseball, the
spiralling football, the bend in the vaulter's pole, and the tension
of muscles as a weight is lifted illustrate some of the basic laws
of physics, like momentum, equilibrium, velocity, kinetic energy,
center of gravity, projectile motion, and friction. Knowing these
principles of physics helps an athlete or coach improve
performance. |
| Imaging
Technician |
| |
Looking inside the body without surgery is one of medicine's
most important tools. X rays, computed tomography, CT scans, and
magnetic resonance imaging are used to determine bone damage,
diagnose disease, and develop treatment for various illnesses.
Technicians who use imaging equipment need to be familiar with the
concepts of x rays and magnetic resonance, and be able to determine
how much of this powerful technology to use. Imaging technicians
work at hospitals, medical colleges, and clinics. |
Magnetic Resonance
Imaging of the brain. Science Source |
| Auto
Mechanic |
| |
Today's automobiles are a far cry from those put on
the road by Henry Ford. Computers play a major role in how our cars
operate. Computers also understanding of computer technology is
essential in almost every career. |
| Environmentalist |
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The 1990s have been called the "Decade of the
Environment." Environmental physicists are studying ozone depletion
and other problems involving the atmosphere. They use acoustics to
try to reduce noise pollution. They search for cleaner forms of
fuel, study how smog forms and how to reduce it, and devise ways in
which to dispose of and store nuclear waste safely. |
| Journalist |
| |
Science is one of the most exciting assignments a
reporter can have. New discoveries, controversial findings, space
research, medical breakthroughs, natural disasters, technological
competitiveness, and the environment make up a big part of the news.
Reporters who have a background in physics have an advantage in
being able to grasp technical issues quickly and communicate easily
with researchers. Many major daily newspapers in the country have
science sections; in addition, science reporting is featured on
radio and television. |
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