Physicists who made a difference : using history in physics teaching

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to design and evaluate a storybook, which includes history of physics and activities. This book aims to help physics students understand physics concepts better through history. The storybook consists of short biographies together with amusing or personal anecdotes from the life of physicists. The major achievements and discoveries of physicists are presented to students in the form of interesting stories, which are accompanied by related activities and experiments that students can perform. Wordgames are also available for readers to try out so that they unconsciously consolidate ideas. All this aims to increase students' motivation and to induce a sense of enjoyment while learning physics. The book was evaluated by feedback gathered from six students and six physics teachers from different schools.