What do learning physics and cycling have in common?
At first glance, it may seem that there is little that can be done to prepare for cycling. Learning is a matter of trial and error. If you turn the handlebar the wrong way, or don’t lean enough or lean too much, you will receive immediate feedback to your mistakes. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll never forget it.
Physics, on the other hand, is about the deepest secrets of nature, many of which have only been discovered by the brightest minds in human history. However, theory often plays a major role in learning them. It is not difficult to learn the laws of nature dryly by rote, but it is about as tedious and useless as trying to memorize a cycling manual. Better to get in the saddle and ride!
On the other hand, some of us have carried out an experiment in school where we measure the friction force by attaching a clog to the end of a spring. Were you surprised by such an experiment? Did it provide you with a different or memorable experience? Did it give you a better understanding of nature or technology? Probably not.
But maybe it’s also possible to put together experiments or whole lessons in physics, where learning is like the experience of cycling? Where students can make mistakes that provide quick and clear feedback on the phenomenon being learned. Experiments that would also be affordable, manageable and accessible for the teacher and for all those who are not the next Newton or Tesla.
Praktikal was designed to make learning science exciting, emotional and memorable. It has grown into an ecosystem of science teaching, where learning content, methodology and tools form a synergy. Praktikal frees the teacher from this complex and often tedious preparation and lets them devote this time to real work. You only need to bring things to class and give lessons.
Dry physics lessons are already history in more than 110 Estonian schools, and the number is growing every week. Praktikal’s teaching materials now cover the entire physics curriculum in basic schools. We have also started creating materials for chemistry and biology. We are certainly not confining ourselves to Estonia: we are spreading our wings and looking to the rest of the world.
We don’t have experiments for schools alone, but we have also set up the Optics Activity Box for home use. It is a great way to explore the laws of physics outside the classroom and in a comfortable environment for yourself. If you would like to try out this curiosity-boosting experience at home, order the action box! We also welcome suggestions for schools around the world where you think Praktikal could set up shop.
Omari Loid
Co-founder & CEO
