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‘Let’s Code Physics’ teaching method gains national attention for Prof. Brian Lane

The world’s largest organization representing tens of thousands of science educators has given a nod to Physics Prof. Brian Lane for his unique Let’s Code Physics teaching method designed to hold the interest of students.Brian Lane NSTA Lets Code Physics Freebies March 2016The Virginia-based National Science Teachers Association spotlights Lane in the “Freebies for Teachers” section of its March 2016 edition of NSTA Reports, a newspaper that offers news on science education, teaching materials and unique instructional approaches to its 55,000 members. “Freebies for Teachers” focuses on free cutting-edge teaching methods.Lane’s “Let’s Code Physics” YouTube channel has gained thousands of views since launching last fall and is modeled after “Let’s Play” videos, in which a gamer-celebrity records his or her progress through a video game in a “play-through,” offering entertaining commentary as the viewer learns how to accomplish all of or critical aspects of the game.

“On Let’s Code Physics!, Lane applies this [Let’s Play] concept to high school science, offering commentary and providing learning resources along the way to videos based on his programming projects, which study physics situations such as police car chases, planetary orbits, and projectiles,” NSTA Reports writes.

brian lane -headshot
Prof. Brian Lane

Lane has said says he hopes the videos become a classroom of their own as viewers share their modifications or extensions to the codes.

“My goals for this channel are to promote interest in scientific computing and physics and to provide learning resources to viewers. With the growing need for programming skills in an increasing number of professions and the rising popularity of YouTube as a means of educational outreach, this seems like a promising opportunity to engage the public in education and provide resources for fellow educators.”

NSTA’s current membership includes science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives and others involved in and committed to science education.