By David Matteson
The strumming of a guitar is not a sound a student may expect while in an academic class. Yet, this was heard in Michael Undieme’s physics classes on Thursday, May 20.
“It is a more interesting [method of learning],” Undieme said. “Everyone likes music.”
The teacher, who has played guitar for 18 years, performs live music for his classes as a way of re-enforcing the concepts of periodic waves, resonance and frequency. He also allows student musicians to perform their own music for the class. Junior Emma Hunsicker played “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer for her third period physics honors class.
“I thought it was so much fun,” Hunsicker said. “It’s good to take a break from hardcore physics and do something a little laid back and entertaining.”
As Undieme plays he uses a computer program to track the sound waves made by his electric guitar. This demonstrates that periodic waves are broken up into individual sine waves.
“I was unaware of the repeating sine waves. It made it more engaging and more fun for the class,” Hunsicker said.
Undieme has incorporated music into his lessons for seven years and believes the class receives the lesson well. The method has also allowed for students to find a new form of expression while in a core class.
“I had a student who didn’t say a word all year, but then he came up and played [guitar],” Undieme said. “He was really quiet and shy and surprised us all. No one knew he could play.”
This alternative lesson is certainly one that engages and teaches the curriculum thoroughly. Hunsicker also feels that it is indicative of Undieme’s teaching style.
“Mr. Undieme is such a great teacher. He makes physics a lot less brutal,” Huunsicker said. “He is so much fun.”