First in a series of three volumes on physics for middle school science teachers, this book for Grade 6 deals with the basic pedagogical and epistemological principles of acoustics, optics, heat, electricity, and magnetism. Von Mackensen is very careful in his methodology. As is appropriate for students of this age, he seeks to give them a broad and diverse experience of the phenomena. Developing an interest in and familiarity with the phenomena is the primary concern. Only gradually, after rich experience has been gathered, do theoretical considerations come into play.
These books were written for class teachers in Waldorf schools. At the same time, however, they can serve as an introduction to a phenomena-centered study of physics for anyone interested in pursuing this approach. Each of the three volumes begins with the same basic general introduction to the teaching methodology. Then the various fields of physics appropriate to the age group are introduced. A discussion of the main topics in the particular field is followed by detailed descriptions of a series of simple experiments.
PB, 120 pages. Also available: Vol 1 for Grade 7.