Welcome to Phillip Scott's science classroom. The is the place where you may find information, share comments, and obtain copies of handouts and other materials used in my physics and astronomy courses. Here you will also find information about the MHS Astronomy Club, the MHS Observatory, and the First Saturday Stars over MHS program, which is new for this year. I hope you will find this information helpful. If you wish to contact me, please email at: pscott@mcalester.k12.ok.us  or call MHS at 918-423-4776

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." Plutarch

Near Earth Asteroid 2005 YU55 passed between Earth and the moon's orbit on November 8, 2011. Click on the image to enlarge. Notice the wobble in the path of the asteroid. Could this be due to rotation, periodic error, or perhaps atmospheric turbulence?

Hi, My name is Phillip Scott. I have been teaching science at McAlester High School since 1998. My wife, Caren, is also a science teacher. I have 3 grown children; one currently teaching math, one raising my two grandchildren, and the other working for the National Park Service. I am currently teaching AP Physics, Conceptual Physics, and Astronomy. I love teaching science. It is a profession I enjoy passionately. It is the reason I became a teacher.

I obtained a B.S. degree in Ag. Education from OSU, a Masters in Secondary Education from ECU, and have additional coursework in physics and astronomy from Arizona State University and University of Arizona. I was named Oklahoma Physics Teacher of the Year in 2002, McAlester Teacher of the Year in 2008, and was a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year in 2008.

My goal is for my students to develop an appreciation for science and to become better informed citizens by learning to critically evaluate new science information. A visitor to my classroom is likely to see my students engaged in activities that reinforce learning. Class challenge problems, whether it is photographing the collision of two galaxies, determining the rotational velocity of a toy plane or observing conservation of momentum in colliding carts, are examples of problems that demonstrate correct science concepts and stimulate discussion. I ultimately want my students to enjoy learning science.

If you are a student new to my class this year, Welcome! Study hard and don't be afraid to ask questions. I am sure you will find our road to science discovery to be challenging at times. But in the end you will find satisfaction at having accomplished much throughout the year. I wish you the best in all your endeavors.

Mr. Scott