I wrote this text/work book to support the ~ 100 videos that “lecture” the alternative mechanics curriculum called “parallel pedagogy,” a description of which is published in The Physics Teacher in May of 2017.

I liken parallel pedagogy to learning physics the way we learned our first language: we just start doing it, and we improve over time. To this end, some things are not explained comprehensively the first time through. For instance, I use speed and velocity interchangeably (as done in common English) until Chapter 2.4. I find it appropriate to distinguish energy from momentum before distinguishing a vector from a scalar.

You may use this textbook if you like. You are free to copy from this information as per Creative Commons, with the following restrictions:

You can’t copy material to sell for profit.
Please attribute to me what you copy.

You may like this textbook because:

If you want to teach through the parallel pedagogy, It’s the only text I know of that follows it.
It’s very simple and conceptually-oriented.
It is short enough that students may actually read it.

The lecture videos, problem sets, exams, and solutions are accessible on my website and through the publication (free version).

I value any feedback you may provide with typos, mistakes, or suggestions.

Contact me if you wish to communicate.

Thanks,
Pete

Pete Schwartz
Cal Poly Physics, Sustainability
805-756-1220
pschwart@calpoly.edu