We are at a point in our evolution of technology where it is easy to create simple tools to solve problems that can be used to help many people.
We are a start-up that is dedicated to creating solutions, in the form of apps or other technology, to make the world a better place. The philosophy we live by, “We make peoples’ world a better place to live.” This is our first app and we are looking to create more.
Can we build an app that can teach Physics? Is there more to Physics than memorizing a text book full of formulas?
Yes and Yes!
If you agree with the answers above then you can help to teach Physics to millions of people.
Chris has been teaching high school Physics for 7 years and people are starting to ask if there is a Physics app that can teach Physics. A quick look at the app stores will show that there are dozens of Physics apps. So, why make another? What could a new app offer that the others are lacking?
Let’s create an app that can solve ANY word problem that a high school or first year university/college student could encounter. Most current apps are a combination of a calculator and a digital textbook. A few claim to be able to teach Physics but upon closer inspection, they are outlining the steps to solve pre-determined, built in, example problems. Physics is NOT about finding the answers to word problems. Physics IS about learning how to think in a particular kind of way. There are too many schools and teachers that do not have the background to properly guide the students to full understanding of the topic. Many students will do well on standardized tests with, potentially, little understanding of how to truly solve a problem.
We are building an app that allows the student to get help in solving a word problem. The app will walk the student through the questioning strategy that an expert teacher would ask in order to guide the student to full understanding of the problem. This is not about getting the right answer. It is about teaching the student the skills needed to solve problems.
We need cash.
We project that it will cost us about $4000 for the development of the app and $2000 for admin fees, advertising, and legal fees that will arise. If we raise more than what it costs us to create this app we will roll the funds forward into an account for future endeavours such as upgrades to the app or more apps to help solve people’s problems.
Donors get cool and unique swag.
We offer our donors copies of the app, free advertising via social networks, a physics teacher’s expertise, individualized memorabilia, individual demos and speaking appearances. Lots to choose from.
If we don’t meet our goal we will move ahead with the project. It will be a diminished version of what we initially envision and we might need to get more creative with funding. We will deliver an app.
Students who spend time learning how to think about Physics as the creation of relationships do better in all fields that involve multiple variables. This skill translates into other sciences, the business world, creative thinking and many other disciplines. There is a reason why there are more CEOs of large companies with advanced degrees in Physics than any other degree: if you can do proper Physics, even at a basic level, you have the skills to examine data in a system and build models to solve problems. Isn’t this the skills that we want future citizens to have?
You can be part of changing the world in two ways. On the individual level you can help many students to learn the fundamentals of problem solving and Physics. On the societal level you can help develop a workforce that is better equipped to solve complex problems and think critically.
Version 1.0 will start with Mechanics. It is our experience that people who can successfully understand the relationship between Forces, Free Body Diagrams, kinematics and Energy can apply the same skills it takes to solve any of those problems to any other area of Physics.
If successful, following versions may be upgraded to include topics such as sound and light, thermo, nuclear, and fluids. All donors will be given any updated versions at no further cost.
Stretch Goals
Half-way Goal – Great. A copy of the app will be donated to each Physics student in a randomly selected Physics class. The class will be randomly selected based on donor recommendations. All donors can send in a recommendation for a class and if the class is randomly drawn, they will be contacted to receive copies of the app when it goes live. Please include the name and contact information of the teacher of the students.
Complete – Wow. All donors will be given the option to receive updates on new initiatives we are creating. This will give current donors the opportunity to get in early on future apps or other products. Also, five hours of community service time will be given to a charity of a donor’s choice. Make a recommendation on a type of need/service and if it is selected you will receive personal thank you for your contribution.
150% - Incredible. A copy of the app will be donated to each Physics student in a randomly selected school (and will be a different group than the Half-way goal). The school will be randomly selected based on donor recommendations. Send in a recommendation for a school and if it is randomly drawn, they will be contacted to receive copies of the app when it goes live. Please include the name and contact information of a Physics teacher at the school.
Double – Unbelievable. All donors will receive a second copy of the app.
We will be creating future apps. All donors will receive a copy of a second app that is created.
We would like to hear your recommendations for apps that can be used to make the world a better place. If we select to produce your app idea, you will receive a copy of all apps we ever create.
Triple – Really? Awesome. I think I am feeling faint. Similar to Perk #13. Donors are asked to make a recommendation as to what group would benefit from a FREE lecture on 21st Century Learning and Technology in the classroom. One donor’s recommendation will be selected and that donor will be invited to be part of the lecture, in some capacity.
