TY - JOUR
T1 - Using superheroes such as Hawkeye, Wonder Woman and the Invisible Woman in the physics classroom
AU - Fitzgerald, Barry W.
PY - 2018
Y1 - 2018
N2 - Communication of difficult concepts in the physics classroom can be negatively affected by the absence of a strong link between physics content and the experiences or interests of students. One possible method towards addressing this issue is to motivate physics content with reference to popular culture figures such as superheroes. We find ourselves in an age where superhero films are immensely popular with numerous superhero films scheduled for release over the coming years. With many students familiar with many of these characters and their superpowers, superheroes can facilitate a unique platform to aid in the dissemination of physics materials in the classroom. In this paper, we present three examples where superheroes can be used to motivate learning objectives in physics and, if desired, promote critical thinking on behalf of the student. We also reflect on how using the superhero genre in the classroom can be used to address underrepresentation of women, stereotyping, and diversity issues in physics.
AB - Communication of difficult concepts in the physics classroom can be negatively affected by the absence of a strong link between physics content and the experiences or interests of students. One possible method towards addressing this issue is to motivate physics content with reference to popular culture figures such as superheroes. We find ourselves in an age where superhero films are immensely popular with numerous superhero films scheduled for release over the coming years. With many students familiar with many of these characters and their superpowers, superheroes can facilitate a unique platform to aid in the dissemination of physics materials in the classroom. In this paper, we present three examples where superheroes can be used to motivate learning objectives in physics and, if desired, promote critical thinking on behalf of the student. We also reflect on how using the superhero genre in the classroom can be used to address underrepresentation of women, stereotyping, and diversity issues in physics.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85045642093&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1088/1361-6552/aab442
DO - 10.1088/1361-6552/aab442
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85045642093
SN - 0031-9120
VL - 53
JO - Physics Education
JF - Physics Education
IS - 3
M1 - 035032
ER -