Action Physics

TL;DR

This paper explores teaching stationary action in introductory physics, demonstrating its accessibility and motivational value across topics from quantum physics to relativity in a university course.

Contribution

It provides an educational approach integrating stationary action into early physics instruction, responding to a call for reform in teaching mechanics.

Findings

Students found action physics accessible and engaging

The approach enhanced motivation and understanding of physics concepts

Action physics can be effectively integrated into first-year courses

Abstract

More than a decade ago Edwin Taylor issued a "call to action" that presented the case for basing introductory university mechanics teaching around the principle of stationary action. We report on our response to that call in the form of an investigation of the teaching and learning of the stationary action formulation of physics in a first-year university course. Our action physics instruction proceeded from the many-paths approach to quantum physics through to ray optics, classical mechanics, and relativity. Despite the challenges presented by action physics, students reported it to be accessible, interesting, motivational and valuable.