Teaching relativity at the AstroCamp

TL;DR

This paper discusses the methods and experiences of teaching relativity to pre-university students at AstroCamp, highlighting pedagogical approaches, student feedback, and curriculum considerations.

Contribution

It presents a practical approach to teaching relativity in an outreach setting and offers insights into curriculum modernization for secondary education.

Findings

Positive student engagement and understanding of relativity concepts.

Effective pedagogical strategies for complex physics topics.

Recommendations for curriculum updates in secondary education.

Abstract

The AstroCamp is an academic excellence program in the field of astronomy and physics for students in the last 3 years of pre-university education, which often includes a course (or a significant part thereof) on Relativity. After an introduction to the principles, goals and structure of the camp, I describe the approach followed by camp lecturers (myself and others) for teaching Special and General Relativity, and some lessons learned and feedback from the students. I also provide some thoughts on the differences between the physics and mathematics secondary school curricula in Portugal and in other countries, and on how these curricula could be modernized.