Something is horribly wrong. I don't feel sick, this is a science lecture, there's five minutes left in class, and I'm not asleep? Quickly I pull out my English-Major Calculator, and yes, only one-two-three-four hours of sleep. I recheck my fingers, and again, only four hours. I look at the cover of my notebook to make sure, and on it in bold, black letters is "Physics," not "Shakespeare." I conclude that there must be something quite different going on in this science lecture...especially so, to keep even an English major awake till the end.
Needless to say, Physics has not been my favorite of favorite subjects, and when I preregistered for this class, I felt a hollow sense of dread. How could a Physics lecture be interesting? Well, I don't know completely how its done, but if one wishes to find out, ask Dr. McClure.
His lectures present physics in an interesting, humorous, and fairly easy to understand format, which is, as far as science lectures go, amazing. I even find myself laughing hysterically at his somewhat bizarre, dryly humorous stories. From the moment he strides into class like Felix with his bag o' tricks, he keeps the class entertained with problems concerning elves, parachuting gnomes, and with comic experiments that are relevant, and even work! (well, at least most of the time.) Thus he is able to skillfully keep the class's attention while presenting a fairly complex subject. Old McClure, as he frequently calls himself, seems to have a good feel for the students' morale, and if we've been "slogging" away at problems for a while, he takes a break for a quick, funny little story which rejuvenates the class' energy. Thus, this science lecture is entertaining: a task not so easily, and not so often, accomplished.
Previously, I would not have believed it could be done, but with experience, vast Physics knowledge, a keen sense of humor, and a knack for presenting his knowledge, Prof. McClure presents one of the more fun and interesting science lectures.
Reprinted from The Pulse Vol. 4 No. 2 (Jan. 1995)
Jim Freericks, Assistant Professor of Physics, freericks@physics.georgetown.edu