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Physics and Mathematics tutor, Harvard-trained with NASA experience
Clark N.

5.0 (1,759 ratings)

5,735 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $56
Contact Clark
Response time: 49 minutes

About Clark

Bio

I am an experienced high school physics and mathematics teacher, retired, with Massachusetts certification in both areas. I am very much aware of the challenges many students face in their early encounters with physics and mathematics, and work to build confidence as well as proficiency. I have taught various levels of mathematics--through calculus--as standalone courses and as part of the content of physics courses, so I have a range of pedagogical strategies to employ in these...

I am an experienced high school physics and mathematics teacher, retired, with Massachusetts certification in both areas. I am very much aware of the challenges many students face in their early encounters with physics and mathematics, and work to build confidence as well as proficiency. I have taught various levels of mathematics--through calculus--as standalone courses and as part of the content of physics courses, so I have a range of pedagogical strategies to employ in these areas.

Prior to my teaching career a lifelong interest in--and deep affection for--mathematics and physics led me to wonderful adventures as a guidance, navigation and control engineer in the aerospace industry. While a NASA employee on the Apollo Project, I made extensive use of algebra and calculus in the development of orbital rendezvous techniques (Atlantic: : https://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/593968/apollo-11/). Later on I participated in the design of the space shuttle and the development of the first GPS operating software. These experiences have given me an informed perspective as regards both teaching and applications of the subjects I tutor.

I am only meeting students online. Almost without exception my students find the Wyzant on-line tutoring platform a highly effective and transparent medium for mathematically-based instruction, providing the same degree of personal interaction as face-to-face meetings, and much greater flexibility of scheduling. My MathCad application provides a full display of mathematical expressions, graphs and numerical results and is the gold standard for this type of work. My students receive a PDF printout of our MathCad session immediately following our session, so this avoids the distraction of having to take notes. I am always willing to have a no-obligation trial meeting to assess suitability.

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Education

University of Maine
BA Physics
Harvard Graduate School of Education
MEd
University of Houston (Physics)
Graduate Coursework
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $56
  • Rate details: Minimum charge for a lesson is 1 hour.
  • Lesson cancellation: 12 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 9/18/2017

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Algebra 1

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 introduces the concept of symbolic representation of numbers whose value is unspecified, and also the basic notion of relations between sets of numbers specified by a recipe called a "function." Operations upon and between functions provide a basis for discovering important properties of relations, properties of number sets, and methods of representation. The axioms and common understandings of Algebra 1 are common to all other algebras, such as vector algebra, and are therefore the essential foundation for all further study in mathematics.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

Algebra 2 skills, including factoring, finding roots, solving sets of equations and classifying functions by their properties, are a necessary foundation for trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus and linear algebra. Particularly important are operations with exponents and an understanding of the definition and properties of logarithms.
Astronomy

Astronomy

While growing up I was an active amateur astronomer, and I have taught this subject at the introductory level. I have the good fortune to be married to a professional astronomer who occasionally involves me in her work on symbiotic star systems.
Calculus

Calculus

Calculus is one of the three legs on which most mathematically-based disciplines rest. The other two are linear algebra and the stochastic systems (statistics), which come together in advanced courses. Everyone intending to pursue studies in basic science (including life sciences), engineering or economics should have a good foundation in introductory calculus.
Physics

Physics

Mechanics is the basis of physics, physics is the basis of most fields of application, particularly in engineering. In addition to fundamental concepts, the study of physics develops the ability to think mathematically, and apply mathematical methods to many problems of interest, including outside of physics. Physics often provides a context for visualizing mathematical constructs and operations, which in turn feed back into a better understanding of the physics. For this reason, the concurrent study of mathematics and physics is synergistic in its effects and should always be preferred if it can be arranged.
Precalculus

Precalculus

Pre-calculus is the gate-keeper course for transition to calculus, and is therefore as important as calculus itself for those intending or needing to study higher mathematics. Typically it includes a review of basic algebra topics; various types of functions--including trigonometric and polynomial; series; limits; and an introduction to vectors. Most troubles with introductory calculus are traceable to an inadequate mastery of algebra and trigonometry.
Trigonometry

Trigonometry

As noted above, trigonometry is usually encountered as a part of a pre-calculus course. In my view, much of the traditional material associated with trigonometry should be replaced by an introduction to the linear algebra of vectors, which provides alternative methods of solving many of the problems encountered in trigonometry, and is much more generally useful.

Examples of Expertise

Clark has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 63 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Clark N.'s Photo

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Response time: 49 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (1,759 ratings)
5 star
(1,688)
4 star
(61)
3 star
(8)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(1)

Reviews

Excellent teacher

Clark N was able to bring confidence back into my son. He now looks forward to his classes and went from failing to passing with As! Clark N takes his time and works at the speed of the student instead of rushing thru the material. He also has a very flexible schedule and seems to always be available to help my son. Highly recommended!

Irene, 41 lessons with Clark

Great experience so far! excited to keep learning

Great lesson! I’m really looking forward to continuing to learn and improve while working with Mr. Clark. Thank you so much—I’m excited for what’s ahead!

Elena, 14 lessons with Clark

Great experience so far! excited to keep learning

Great lesson! I’m really looking forward to continuing to learn and improve while working with Mr. Clark. Thank you so much—I’m excited for what’s ahead!

Elena, 14 lessons with Clark

Great experience so far! excited to keep learning

Great first lesson! I’m really looking forward to continuing to learn and improve while working with Mr. Clark. Thank you so much—I’m excited for what’s ahead!

Elena, 14 lessons with Clark

Great experience so far! excited to keep learning

Great first lesson! I’m really looking forward to continuing to learn and improve while working with Mr. Clark. Thank you so much—I’m excited for what’s ahead!

Elena, 14 lessons with Clark

Great experience so far! excited to keep learning

Great first lesson! I’m really looking forward to continuing to learn and improve while working with Mr. Clark. Thank you so much—I’m excited for what’s ahead!

Elena, 14 lessons with Clark

Expertise and patience

It is wonderful to have a tutor who is both patient but also clearly has mastered the topic. His skilled technique and careful guidance is exactly what my son needs right now.

Angela, 15 lessons with Clark

awesome extremely knowledgeable and patient

Exactly what I Was looking for extremely knowledgeable and easy to work with. Glad I found him would definitely highly recommend 🙏

Rowan, 9 lessons with Clark

Favorite tutor

well knowledgeable and has an art for explaining material in a simplified manner. Highly recommend Clark. He is patient, flexible, and honest. If he isn't familiar with something, he takes time to educate himself on it outside of wyzant so that he doesn't waste your time. Clark also explains the material in many different ways to ensure that he teaches you the way you learn.

Claire, 5 lessons with Clark

Very knowledgeable and helpful

Clark helped my child enjoy physics. He explains clearly and can easily motivate a student because he has had an amazing career in that field. Excellent teacher!!!!!¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pascale, 86 lessons with Clark
Hourly Rate: $56
Response time: 49 minutes
Contact Clark