Teaching Physics, Conservation Laws First

Presentation Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Location: University of Buffalo

After reflecting on my journey as a researcher/educator/author and on the current state of physics textbooks and physics education, I will present the research-based textbook I developed for my introductory physics class. The Principles and Practice of Physics is a groundbreaking new calculus-based introductory physics textbook that uses a unique organization and pedagogy to allow students to develop a true conceptual understanding of physics alongside the quantitative skills needed in the course. The book organizes introductory physics around the conservation principles and provides a unified contemporary view of introductory physics. I will discuss the organization of the book, the illustrational approach, the conservation-laws-first approach, and results obtained with this book. I will also discuss what it takes to switch to this book from a traditional text book and how to tailor the content to your own needs as an instructor.