Steven Okapal
 | |
| Department | Science |
|---|---|
| House | STEM |
| Contact | sokapal@tsas.org |
| Joined | 2007 |
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Physics from The Ohio State University; Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from The Ohio State University |
| Why I teach | I teach because, to build a better world, we need critical thinking skills and scientific understanding helps reinforce those. Those that stand in the gap find it is not only lonely, but necessary. Since I find myself bridging LOTS of sections of existence, teaching science to the upcoming generation fits well in the effort to create a better world. |
| About me | I'm a Catholic-raised Ohio boy taught to work for justice anywhere I see injustice. I know that while our souls and hearts must be our guide, we must hone our minds to make those dreams a reality. Oh, and I'm an Aquarius with my Pisces is in Venus, and I've been told that explains everything you need to know about me. |
AP Physics
The AP Physics 1 Course has been designed by the College Board as a course equivalent to the algebra-based college-level physics class. At the end of the course, students will take the AP Physics 1 exam, which will test their knowledge of both the concepts taught in the classroom and their use of the correct formulas.
Conceptual Physics
In Conceptual Physics students investigate the interaction of matter and energy in a variety of methods, focusing on the concepts, rather than the math, involved with these interactions. The course begins with an introduction to the scientific method and Newtonian mechanics. It then follows with thermodynamics and proceeds to electromagnetism. At the end, the students have a choice of a variety of topics including modern physics, a more intense look at mechanics focusing on rotational motion, or optics.
Earth & Space Science
Earth and Space Science: An innovative take on physics class, in which we use the students' understanding of the natural world to explain and understand fundamental ideas of physics. The class will first focus on the world the students interact with all of the time. It will also include a look forward to our collective future as space explorers.
Philosophy
Philosophy is an investigation of Western thought presented as two separate courses which are alternated each year. The first course is over Plato, Descartes, Hume and Kant, where the focus is on deep reading of the material. The second is over the major topics of philosophy, namely logic, epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, and linguistics/aesthetics.
Astronomy
Astronomy is the study of the universe outside of Earth. The Astronomy class will be broken up into the following sections: History of Astronomy, The Sun cycle, Our Solar System, and if there is time; Star cycles. We will look at the basics of how people started to study the night sky, what we know about our Sun, what we know about our solar system, and if possible, what we know about distant stars.
Engineering Physics
Engineering Physics is a project-based class, focusing on the mechanical aspects of physics, and how they can be applied to various physical tasks. The students will complete a series of projects illustrating Newton's 3 Laws of Motion, as well as integrating other aspects of traditional physics as they explore how to take direct action in the world around them.
Science & Technology
Science and Technology has a dual focus of filling in gaps of understanding in basic science concepts, as well as exposure to scientific literacy. The course will have a normal lecture component 3-4 days a week, and the students will work on Science Research papers throughout the course. At the end of the course, students will be able to use basic science investigation skills and be able to both analyze and evaluate scientific articles.
- Course open to grades 10-12, 9th grade with teacher approval
Capstones
