A self–selected subset of students took ES.8012 (Physics I, Classical Mechanics) coupled with 6.100A (Introduction to Python). This pairing of subjects enabled students to enrich their understanding of physics by adding computation to their study of the subject, while learning Python “in context.” Problem sets for both classes were developed to connect Python learning objectives with physics. The Jupyter Notebook was introduced in ES.8022 (Physics II, Classical Electromagnetism) to help with the visualization of physical concepts and to introduce the elements of computational thinking. A portion of the material developed in this pilot is being piloted in mainstream physics.

In collaboration with EECS, Physics, Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC), and TLL

Supported by ESG, d’Arbeloff Fund for Excellence in Education, EECS, MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing, and OVC