The Physics TA Library Frequently Asked Questions
What material will I find on the Physics TA Library?
The Physics TA Library offers links to web sites for TAs. These websites include teaching tips, content pieces, assessments, and labs. Some resources for students are also available.
How do I find materials on the Physics TA Library?
You can search the Physics TA Library by subject area, author, or grade level, and you can restrict your search by grade level, resource type, language, and cost.
What is the difference between searching and browsing?
Searching allows you to find resources with specific keywords in the title, subject, and description, or to search by author name, organization, or URL. Browsing provides a broad view of materials on a given topic.
What information do I get from searches?
A Physics TA Library search provides a list of items that match your search criteria. This list includes, for each item, the title, the start of the description, the grade level, and the subject. Clicking on the title brings up detailed information about the item and displays the URL.
How can I organize my search results?
Search results can be arranged alphabetically by the subject, title, or grade level.
How can I participate in the Physics TA Library?
Registered users of the Physics TA Library can submit suggestions for materials to add to the database and can provide comments and join discussions about the materials.
If I submit an item, will it show up on the Physics TA Library?
Member submissions of items to the Physics TA Library are reviewed before inclusion. If accepted, more detailed information is collected about the items before posting. Acceptance depends on how well the item meets the needs of informal learners.
How can I add comments about an item on the Physics TA Library?
For members who are logged in, there is a link to add comments about an item on the detailed information page for the item, which is where the comments will appear.
What is the "Filing Cabinet"?
The filing cabinet is a place for the Physics TA Library members to store bookmarks to items on the site. These bookmarks are stored in folders on the ComPADRE site so that they can be accessed whenever the member is logged into any of the ComPADRE collections. Lists that result from searching can also be stored in the Filing Cabinet.
Do I need to join the Physics TA Library?
No, you may search and browse the database without joining the Physics TA Library.
What are the benefits of joining the Physics TA Library?
Members of the Physics TA Library have additional tools that improve their use of the site. These include the ability to set preferences that sort materials according to their needs, a filing cabinet to store resources they find useful, and the ability to recommend resources for inclusion in the database.
What is required to join the Physics TA Library?
To join, users must provide their name and email. Further information can be provided, if desired, to personalize the Physics TA Library for the user and enhance interactions with others.
Is there a cost for the Physics TA Library?
The Physics TA Library is a free and open resource provided as service by the American Association of Physics Teachers and its partners. It is supported by funding from the National Science Foundation and the APS Campaign for Physics, and is part of the National Science Digital Library.
Who can I contact for further information?
Our contact form allows you to direct questions to the appropriate individuals responsible for site content or technical issues.
