INTRODUCTION:

        I am quite excited to teach this course because it tries to connect  classroom learning to real-world applications.  I hope you are too. Because we want to cover a lot of interesting real-world applications within the limited period of 10 weeks, I will be highly selective in discussing topics during the lectures. Because no textbook will ever be perfect for such a non-conventional course, we will not be too "bookish" (even if Bloomfield's book is a really interesting book!) and  instead, will discuss physics concepts as needed. This means that not all Sections in your textbook will be discussed - only those that are needed; this is a more natural way of learning instead of learning too many things (like drinking out of a fire hose) and not knowing how to apply them to the real world.

        As a help, I will provide you with my lecture slides and a guide to what Sections are relevant to read. Please do not abuse this by not attending class (attendance is required, anyway, for you to take advantage of demos). Exams will contain questions about demonstrations and videos and if you are regularly absent, you will lose in the end.  Also, if you feel there are topics you think you are already familiar with, use the opportunity to learn the topic deeper and ask questions you've always wanted to ask. I hope you enjoy this quarter. - R. Ramos

                       SYLLABUS: http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~rcr32/htw/HTWsyllabus_Fall_2008.pdf

    As discussed in the class and syllabus, you are required to have online access to the How Things Work WileyPlus online Homework Environment. Homework will be assigned and submitted via this online environment; it contains an e-book version of your textbook (some may wish to use this e-book  instead of buying a textbook), video demonstrations of principles we discuss in class, Lecture Slides, readings and a homework environment that gives instant feedback. To get WileyPlus access, you can either purchase the Textbook w/ WileyPlus Access Code or simply purchase the access code (without a hardcopy textbook). Both can be purchased from the Drexel Bookstore. To access the Wileyplus Environment, log on to the following website:

       The Course Lectures for this week are:

        Lec1a - Introduction to Airbags and Parkrides (Do Homework Zero)

        Homework 0 has been assigned at wileyplus. Please familiarize yourself with the Wileyplus environment.

        Lec1b - The Segway, Tools, Cyclones and Gyroscopes (Submit Homework 1 - due Oct 7 Tuesday, 4pm) . Homework counts for 20% of your final grade so make sure   you're registered for wileyplus. No homework will be accepted outside the wileyplus environment. There is NO MAKEUP for missed homework.

        Lec2a - Frisbees, Pliers, Balloons, Submarines and Hydraulic Lifts

        Lec2b - Submarines, Auto Brakes, ABS, Woodstoves, Jackets and Circuit Brakers

        Video1-You watched videos of  Some Assembly Required focusing on the Physics behind Bowling Balls, Toilets, Golf clubs design, etc. Interactive Handouts issued to guide note-taking.  (Submit Homework 2 - due Oct 14 Tuesday, 4pn).

        Lec3b - Lava lamps, Circuit Breakers and Incandescent Lightbulbs

         Lec4a - Halogen and Fluorescent Lamps, van de Graaf Generator and Static Electricity

       (Submit Homework 3 - due Oct 20 Monday, 5pn).

        Midterm on Oct. 21, Tuesday, in-class. Coverage: Everything up to Oct 20 LectureWhat to Review: Lecture Notes, Demonstrations performed, Video 1(See Interactive Handout above and ask Notes of Classmates  if you were absent) and Homework.

        By popular demand....here are selected pictures (high resolution available) Segway1  Segway2  Segway3  Segway4  Segway5  Segway6  Segway7 Segway8

        Lec4b - Shielding. Fridgemagnets, Creditcards, Metaldetectors and Speakers

        Video2: On Thursday, Oct 23, you will watch videos of Some Assembly Required focusing on the Physics behind making Glass Panes from sand, Sushi Knives, and Building a Grand Piano.  Interactive Handouts will be issued to guide note-taking. Questions about the video, based on the guide questions, will come out in the Final Exams. Attendance  will be checked.

        Results of Midterm will be made available early next week, on Oct 28.

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        Instructions on Group Presentations

    1. Make friends and group yourselves into 3.
    2. Submit to your instructor your names and 2 topics of interest. You can suggest your own topic or select from list provided below. Submit no later than Oct 28 (Tues)
    3. When your topic is approved, submit a working two-level outline by Nov. 6. A format could be:

             I. Introduction/Motivation - ask teaser polling question
                A. Question 1
                B. Question 2
            II.Brief Historical Background - optional
            III. How Device or Phenomenon Works
                A. Identify major parts and functions
                B. Discuss the physics behind device or phenomenon.
                C. Perform a Demonstration (required).
            IV. Checking Understanding
                A. Question 1
                B. Question 2
            V. Summary and References

    4. Submit outline no later than Nov. 6 (Thursday) and schedule presentations with your TA or instructor. Presentations are primarily scheduled on Nov. 25 and Dec 2 but earlier presentations can be requested, on a case-to-case basis, subject to instructor approval.
    6. Conduct a 12-15 minute Powerpoint presentation complete with your sources. You must provide Dr. Ramos with a copy of this presentation in a CD.

    Examples of Past Topics: Hand-powered Flashlights, Physics behind Popcorns, Hearing Implants, GPS Tracking, Electrical Guitar, Computer mouse, Windmills, Hybrid cars, Hybrid cars, Toilets

    Suggested Topics: Solar cells, Laser/Inkject printers, Digital Cameras, Plasma and LCD TVs, USB Flashdrive, IPods, Airport metal detectors, Scuba Diving gear, Robotic Lawnmowers, LASIK surgery, Satellite Phones, Star Trek Physics,Washing/Dryer Machines, Hybrid vehicles

More topics at: http://www.physics.umd.edu/courses/Phys104/ramos/topics.html As a guide, here are 2 sample presentations: Hand-powered Flashlights and Popcorn Physics

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    SOLUTIONS to MIDTERM EXAM: COMPARE YOUR ANSWERS and LEARN FROM ERRORS.

    Lec6a - Microwaves and Polaroids

    Lec6b - Blue Skies, Red Sunsets, Optical Recording: CDs, DVDs and CD-RWs

    Lec7a - Rainbows, Optical Illusions, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Superconductors

    Submit outline as instructed above. Homework 4 posted online, due 4pm Tuesday, Nov. 11.  Important: Come promptly on Thurs., Nov. 5 for an opportunity to earn extra credit.