Air Force officer visits physics class at Warrenton High School
By Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff Writer
Posted 11/7/19
Students in Jenny Hoffmann’s Physics First class last week were presented with one answer to a question they often ask. “When will I ever use this again in my life?” Hoffmann brought in a guest …
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Air Force officer visits physics class at Warrenton High School
Posted
By Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff Writer
Students in Jenny Hoffmann’s Physics First class last week were presented with one answer to a question they often ask.“When will I ever use this again in my life?”Hoffmann brought in a guest speaker to share with her four classes of about 30 freshmen each at Warrenton High School. Master Sgt. of the U.S. Air Force Tabetha Coley talked to students last Thursday about how the world of physics, chemistry and science in general are integrated into her role as a member of the armed services.“She came in and demonstrated real-world applications of lasers, because we’re doing a light and optics unit,” said Hoffmann.Coley discussed how the Air Force uses laser weapons and how it plans to arm fighter jets and use the technology in air combat. She also talked about the use of science and advancements in explosive ordnance disposal and the heavy suit of body armor used during that process.“The students were fascinated by a lot of the facts she shared,” said Hoffmann.“They were surprised to learn about the different uses of lasers and the details of the body armor suits. They were also surprised to learn that only 1 percent of U.S. citizens serve in the military.Coley, a recruiter for the Air Force Reserve, also fielded questions about the enrollment process and selective service or potential of another draft.“I was hoping to have their subject matter brought to life that could provide real world applications,” said Hoffmann. “I was also hoping to expose them to some different options they could have later in high school or life.”Hoffmann said the focus of her Physics First classes is to lay the foundation for chemistry and the concepts students will need for biology later on.“We look at problem-solving ability and fundamental understanding of energy, force and matter,” said Hoffmann. “My hope would be that they follow up on this content later and take a more advanced physics course.”Hoffmann said she plans to bring in more science-based military personnel next year.
Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. Tabetha Coley speaks to a class of freshman physics students at Warrenton High School on May 11. Coley described how lasers are used in military equipment as part of the class' education on light and optics. Record photo/ Adam Rollins.
