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 |
| |
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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