Science instruction for independent study without a well equipped school science laboratory. Read more about ie-Science.
Introduction
Today most scientists work in teams. But there have always been scientists who, for a variety of reasons, worked alone. Likewise there are many reasons why learning science as part of a team is superior to learning alone. But occasionally the advantages of working with others is not possible or practical. The following is a guide to assist anyone who wants to learn physics despite the handicap of isolation.
To learn physics alone will occasionally involve some risks, although probably less than learning other sciences in isolation. The student (and parents of minors) must decide if the benefits justify the risks of working alone. If at any point either now or in the future you are unwilling to accept the risks, DO NOT PROCEED with the experiment.
The content is presented in linear progression with vocabulary, ideas, skills, and understanding built from one experiment to the next. However this format allows anyone to selectively use parts fitting their interests or need. If selected content seems confusing, it might help to review any previously skipped content. Each experiment attempts to embed relevant vocabulary, ideas, and history. It is intended that any reasonably bright and capable person interested in the topic, competent in the English language, and having available a computer (and sometimes a printer) should be able to successfully perform each experiment with easily collectable materials. But if any difficulty is encountered, please send a description of the difficulty to the author via the link at the foot of every page. (a note to students)