The Science of Understanding Physics
2026, version 1.0
Product Description
How Intuition, Mental Models, and Cognitive Science Shape the Way We Learn Physics
Why can someone memorize equations, solve mathematical problems, and still struggle to understand physics?
Beyond the Formula — Part I explores the cognitive foundations of physics understanding. Drawing on established physics education research and cognitive science, this illustrated guide examines why formula memorization does not always translate into conceptual mastery.
Discover how intuitive reasoning, misconceptions, mental models, working memory, and metacognition influence the ways we interpret physical phenomena.
Through research-informed explanations, conceptual diagrams, and examples involving Newtonian mechanics, the publication introduces a more thoughtful approach to understanding physics beyond mathematical substitution.
Inside this 16-page illustrated guide:
- The limitations of formula-centered problem solving
- Differences between novice and expert physics reasoning
- Conceptual change and knowledge-in-pieces theory
- Intuition, context, and physical interpretation
- Working memory, multiple representations, and metacognition
- Five practical habits for understanding physics
For: Curious general readers, physics learners, parents, educators, and anyone interested in how scientific understanding develops.
Format: Downloadable, illustrated landscape PDF
Author: Dr. Albert Tan Lie Sing
Edition: Version 1.0 (2026)
Part I of the Beyond the Formula two-volume series.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize the limitations of formula memorization. Understand why mathematical accuracy and conceptual understanding are related but distinct abilities.
- Distinguish novice and expert reasoning. Recognize the difference between matching a problem to a remembered equation and identifying its governing physical principles.
- Understand the influence of everyday intuition. Discover how familiar experiences produce useful ideas but can also lead to incorrect physical conclusions.
- Understand conceptual change. Learn why misconceptions are not always simply erased and how intuitive knowledge can be reorganized.
- Recognize the importance of context. Understand why a person may interpret the same physical principle differently in different situations.
- Understand working memory limitations. Recognize how verbal explanations, diagrams, and mathematical representations interact during learning.
- Develop metacognitive awareness. Learn to question predictions, evaluate confidence, reflect on mistakes, and revise understanding.
- Apply five habits for understanding physics. Explain before calculating, identify principles, compare situations, connect representations, and predict, test, and reflect.
Copyright © 2026 Albert Tan Lie Sing. All Rights Reserved.
First Edition Part I — Version 1.0
Published independently by Dr. Albert Tan Lie Sing.
This publication is intended for educational and informational purposes. It synthesizes published research and presents interpretive frameworks and illustrative examples.
Purchase grants the individual buyer a nonexclusive, nontransferable license for personal reading, study, and reference. Redistribution, resale, republication, or commercial reproduction of the publication is not authorized without written permission, except as permitted by applicable law.
Short quotations and other uses permitted under applicable copyright exceptions remain unaffected.
Website: https://www.alberttls.us
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