
About the Founder
My name is Azadeh Samadani. I have a ph.D. in Physics and over 20 years of experience teaching it. I have been a researcher at MIT, an assistant professor of Physics at Brandeis University, and a Physics teacher at an elite private high school. Nothing interests me more than seeing the spark of curiosity in the eyes of children where the world is wonders and learning is wonderful!
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Teaching Philosophy
As I became a mother, I was reminded of the infinite potential that kids possess. I have seen the spark of curiosity in their eyes, and I have tapped into this amazing world of wonders and curiosity. I understood that little kindergarteners can conceptually understand the most complicated mathematical concepts, such as vectors, basic graphs, basic concepts of calculus, and even logic gates. So why are we teaching them A, B, Cs, and 1, 2, and 3s?
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Don’t get me wrong, every kindergartener needs to learn their A, B, Cs, and 1, 2, 3s, but wouldn’t it be nice to challenge the kids with something more once in a while? Show them what is possible. To make them dream big and help them stay curious? To tap into that infinite potential? To teach them real critical thinking. Not the word that, unfortunately, has been overused and completely butchered by the science education research in this country, but real deep thinking that stimulates the deepest neurons in their brain and keeps them interested, motivated, and engaged.
I have done this with my own kids and their friends and, now, for the past two years, with many little boys and girls from all over the world who have found their way to my school! Believe me, it is possible! Every kid has a boundary that they have been exposed to and lived within, and every kid needs to be challenged to extend that boundary even further. Otherwise, we end up with adults who have never had a single original thought in their lives.
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I have also witnessed high school students get flustered and agitated if someone asks them a question that requires a minute of pausing and thinking. They don’t know what to do with themselves if the answer is not delivered to them within a second. This is not their fault, of course, but a fault of a failed education system.
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As the years went by– oh so quickly!-I witnessed my kids' curiosity and potential crushed by their school system. By the time they are teenagers, the window of opportunity is narrowed significantly. What a waste of critical years. It aches me as I write these words. Can you imagine the level of potential wasted in schools? How do we treat our best and brightest? And we wonder why we need immigration to maintain our technical advantage in the world!
I have seen excellent teachers lift my kids up and challenge them to their potential, and I have also seen my kids struggle to stay interested, challenged, and motivated in school. Why do we keep such potential at bay? Why do we want the best and brightest kids to stay unmotivated, unchallenged, and absolutely bored at school?
I started Physics Literacy for Kids for little girls and boys like my own, interested, curious, and wanting to know more! I have been extremely fortunate that so many little kids found their way to my school. The school where they will be challenged, they will live and think at the absolute edge of their potential, and they will be engaged! And I am not exaggerating when I say that I love each and every one of them. We are like an extended family here at Physics Literacy. If you join us, you will not only join a school, but you will join a family. A family of like-minded, intellectual, curious kids who will grow up to change the world for the better!
Physics Literacy Core Values
1) I strive to inspire a lifelong love for learning for all children.
2) I will make physics understandable and engaging for all children, regardless of their background or prior knowledge.
3) I will foster a sense of achievement by helping children grasp challenging concepts.
4) I strive to improve physics literacy worldwide, empowering young minds with knowledge that transcends borders.
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My promise to you
1) Your child will be challenged.
2) Your child will stay motivated and engaged.
3) Your child will learn not only physics but also useful critical thinking skills that stay with them throughout life.
4) You are free to join at any time and any age, there is always a class for your child. It is never too late.
5) If you are not happy for any reason. You can write to me, and I promise to reply and address your concerns quickly. If you want to leave the course, you will be refunded for the remainder of the semester.
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Class Structure and Offerings
At Physics Literacy for Kids, I conduct live classes using Zoom. Each class meets weekly for an hour. For the 25-26 school year, based on interest, I am considering offering an option of twice-a-week classes to provide a comprehensive and consistent learning experience. To supplement my courses, I offer workbooks, periodic assessments, and weekly homework assignments reinforcing the concepts taught.
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Platform and Accessibility
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Live Classes: Conducted via Zoom for real-time interaction.
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Pre-Recorded Classes: In development to provide additional flexibility.
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Supplementary Materials: My workbooks, additional video resources, weekly homework assignments, and periodic assessments provide learning support.
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Class Structure and Content
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Weekly Meetings: Classes are held weekly in 45-minute to one-hour sessions, depending on the student's age.
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Flexible Curriculum: Tailored to meet individual student and class needs.
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Assessment: Periodic online assessments to track progress and understanding.
Engagement and Interaction
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High Engagement: Students remain active and engaged throughout the classes.
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Interactive Tools: Kahoot quizzes are used to engage younger students.
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Special Events: Leading world scientists are invited to speak about their research.
Instructor and Support
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Experienced Instructor: With over 20 years of teaching experience, I have taught physics at all levels, from graduate and undergraduate to high school and younger students.
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Supplemental Instruction: Advanced high school students assist during the summer.
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Guest Speakers: Leading guest scientists give scientific talks and provide insights and inspiration for students.
Enrollment and Pricing
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Variety of Classes: A range of classes is available, catering to different levels and interests.
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Pricing: Classes are between $20-$25 per hour, paid per semester.​