Physics - Topic Guides - Math and Science - LibGuides at Pikes Peak Library District

Search Terms

Specific key words or phrases are necessary to find information in databases or the library catalog. We recommend:

Physical science
Gravitation
Thermodynamics
Mechanics
Electricity and Magnetism
Nuclear physics
Quantum mechanics
Waves
Forces
Conservation Laws
Newton's Laws of Motion
Energy

Search Strategies

You can use these search terms to find books in the library catalog and eBooks or eAudiobooks in the eLibrary.
To narrow your search, type two terms into a search bar in this format: "Term 1" AND "Term 2". This search will only provide resources that include both terms. Combine any two search terms from the box into a database search bar to see what you find.
Find more database search tips on the Debate Issues & Paper Topics guide, in the Database Search Tops box.

Standards and Knowledge Building

This guide is connected to the following Colorado Academic Standards

Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding structure, properties and interactions of matter.
Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding interactions between objects and within systems of objects.

This guide will support students by building further knowledge in:

A variety of topics in physics such as Newton's Laws of Motion and energy transformations.
Different library resources – what they are and how they are useful for researching information about space travel.
How to effectively find information in these sources using search terms.

Contact

Mikaela Fortune

Email Me

Contact:

5550 N. Union Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO
80918

(719) 531-6333

Welcome to the Physics Topic Guide!

Databases

Databases are subject-specific search engines that provide access to journal articles and other reliable resources. The following PPLD databases are recommended for students studying physics:

Academic Search Premier This link opens in a new window
Searches almost 3500 full text academic and scholarly journals.
Explora for Public Libraries This link opens in a new window
Find articles and facts from the world’s leading magazines and reference books in one search.
HelpNow (Brainfuse) This link opens in a new window
Live homework help and skills building from expert tutors in math, science, social studies and English plus writing and reading assistance. Designed for grades K - Adults. Tutors available online Monday - Sunday from 2 - 11 p.m. MDT.
Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics This link opens in a new window
This Encyclopedia considers both the professional ethics of science and technology, and the ethical and political issues raised by science and technology in an increasingly complex and global society. This broad coverage supports the numerous courses in applied and professional ethics and policy related to the practice of science and technology in education.
Science Reference Center This link opens in a new window
A one-stop resource for science-related research needs.
The Gale Encyclopedia of Science This link opens in a new window
Covers all major areas of science, engineering, technology, as well as mathematics and the medical and health sciences, while providing a comprehensive overview of current scientific knowledge and technology.

Reference materials are things like encyclopedias and handbooks that provide quick facts and summaries of different subjects. The following encyclopedias and dictionaries in the PPLD catalog support the study of physics:

Encyclopedia of Physics by Rita G. Lerner; George L. Trigg (Editor)
ISBN: 9783527405541
Publication Date: 2005-10-28
The editors of this Encyclopedia, earlier editions of which met with international acclaim, have now provided a fully revised, expanded and updated third edition of this comprehensive reference work. In two volumes, 500 experts -- among them several Nobel laureates and numerous other scientific award winners -- offer a comprehensive and topical account of physics and the physical world.
World of Physics
ISBN: 0787636517
Publication Date: 2001-02-08
This comprehensive encyclopedia is a subject-specific guide to concepts, theories, discoveries, pioneers and issues that meets the information need for core science studies. It includes approximately 1,000 entries and 350 photographs and illustrations with attention given to women, minorities and lesser-known scientists.

Reference materials are things like encyclopedias and handbooks that provide quick facts and summaries of different subjects. The following books in the PPLD catalog support the study of physics:

Physics DeMYSTiFieD, Second Edition by Stan Gibilisco
ISBN: 9780071744508
Publication Date: 2010-12-02
Written in a step-by-step format, this practical guide begins by covering classical physics, including mass, force, motion, momentum, work, energy, and power, as well as the temperature and states of matter. Electricity, magnetism, and electronics are discussed as are waves, particles, space, and time. Detailed examples, concise explanations, and worked problems make it easy to understand the material, and end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam help reinforce learning.
Physics I for Dummies by Steven Holzner
ISBN: 9781119872221
Publication Date: 2022-04-12
Passing your Physics I class is totally doable, thanks to Physics I For Dummies. When your teacher's explanations make you go, "Whaaa?" reach for this book, where you'll find clear and entertaining explanations of physics of principles. Gravity and mass? Check. Energy and work? Got it. Thermodynamics? Yup. It's all here, and we've even thrown in some fun facts and theories, just to make life more interesting. Plus, we give you a math refresher, so the algebra won't trip you up. May the forces be with you.

Explore (multimedia and recommended websites)

Recommended Websites
Multimedia

You can use trusted, online sources to find information. For more information on reliable, online sources, please visit PPLD’s Debate Issues & Paper Topics guide. PPLD recommends:

Khan Academy - Physics
Physics is the study of matter, motion, energy, and force. Here, you can browse videos, articles, and exercises by topic. We keep the library up-to-date, so you may find new or improved material here over time.
PhET Simulations: Physics
Founded in 2002 by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman, the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado Boulder creates free interactive math and science simulations. PhET sims are based on extensive education research and engage students through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.

Use these multimedia sources to watch or listen to information on this topic.

Crash Course: Physics
Science Key Concepts: Physics
Video lessons on key concepts in Physics. These videos are accessible through Kanopy in the PPLD eLibrary.
The Nature Of Matter - Understanding the Physical World
A collection of videos about various Physics topics available on Kanopy. These videos are accessible through Kanopy in the PPLD eLibrary.