Examining the Needs and Dispositions of Sumter School District High School Students with Regards to Studying Physics, Part 3

Out of a total student population of 4740 in the Sumter School District (SSD) in Sumter, SC, only 167 were enrolled in a physics course in Spring 2015. That was 3.52\% of the total student population in the district. As advised by Lori Smith, Coordinator of Science and Fine Arts of SSD, enrollment in physics courses was insufficient. Since physics is the basis of all sciences and a prerequisite for engineering courses, not having enrolled and succeeded in a physics course during high school could impede a student’s success in such majors during college. This project aimed to examine the needs and dispositions of high school students in SSD with regards to studying physics by exploring the reasons behind their decisions to enroll or not enroll in a physics course during their high school careers. The project also found out how they believe their physics classes could be improved. This was achieved by conducting an electronic survey among voluntary participants from the seniors. A quantitative analysis of the results is presented. These results are intended to help to improve the physics program in SSD as well as shape The University of South Carolina— Sumter’s outreach efforts in the local high schools to encourage students to enroll in college physics courses.