Rop's Reflections

McCain is trying to postpone debate. He said he wants to “focus” on the economy. I call chicken.

Palin is also not talking to the media.

When you have no substance, you avoid questions that would reveal that fact.

Perfect example: Palin talking about Russia and Alaska.

Science education must begin at an early age. The word “science” must be incorporated into everyday thinking of students. Otherwise, “science” would seem far away and hard. We need good teachers for that.

It doesn’t mean science has to be made too fancy. Science presentation doesn’t have to be a circus. It should be presented as naturally as possible.

Richard Feynman is an example of a great natural science teacher.

Natural means being part of us. Anything that seems far away, we don’t care about them. Doesn’t matter how grand or amazing they are. If it cannot be made relevant to us, we just don’t care.

Back to teaching yesterday after being away for many months. Some things have changed. No more parking cards from security. But you need a magnetic card to enter the faculty lounge.

Small class to teach this term. Good.

It’s nice to be back and talk about physics. Although just a few hours per week. Getting back to the basics is good.