Why teach physics? Why teach at all? To ask the question implies a misunderstanding of what physics is. Physics is the language we use to describe the world around us. Physics takes the abstract and makes it relevant. Physics is the application of mathematics to the physical world.

Physics is as fundamental as science gets. Where the laws of chemistry may be the building blocks of biology, the laws of physics are the building blocks of chemistry. Physics opens the door to such a wide range of fields. From astronomy to ship building, physics is the ground work on which careers stand. Electricians and mechanics, truck drivers and pilots, athletes and musicians, all use physics everyday.

Physics is the culmination of mathematics. Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus are all finally put to use with physics. What can justify the learning of calculus better than to find the equations used in physics are simply the derivatives of basic ideas.

Physics is the mother of invention. Eye glasses to computers, airplanes to microwave ovens, the pully to the television, all came from physics. An understanding of physics allows the most amazing ideas of visionaries to become reality.

If that's not enough, physics teaches us more than the mechanics of the universe. Physics teaches problem solving and creative thinking. Modern physics teaches us to look at the obvious and then to look beyond. As a result, every physicist becomes an amateur philosopher. Physics becomes the fusing of the imagination and logic.

We find, with an understanding of what physics is, the question is no longer, "Why teach physics?", but "How do we prepare all students to have the confidence to take up the challenge?" Teaching physics emphasizes the belief that to teach, is not to fill a bucket, but instead it is to light a fire.