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

4,613 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $56
Response time: 1 hour
Clark N.'s Photo

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

4,613 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

4,613 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Qualifications for “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.


Related subjects
Clark has also tutored
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...
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...
and 4 more subjects.

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...

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.

For the time being I am only meeting students online. The Wyzant on-line tutoring platform is a highly effective and transparent medium providing the same degree of personal interaction as face-to-face meetings, and much greater flexibility of scheduling.

For those wishing to learn how to use the MathCad computer-aided mathematics application I offer instruction in how to set up, organize and carry out math and science calculations. The MathCad tool supports 2- and 3-D visualization of data and handles unit conversions with a keystroke or two. Worksheets plainly display the calculations and intermediate values, and since they are storable a legacy of past work as well.


Education

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

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

Homeschool

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.
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.

Math

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.
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.

Most Popular

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.
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.

Science

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.
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.

Summer

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.
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.

Examples of Expertise


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

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

4.9 (1,343 ratings)
5 star
(1,272)
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

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, 13 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, 66 lessons with Clark

the best tutor for math and physics!

I can easily and without hesitation say that Clark is the reason I passed calculus in high school and college physics (and got an A in physics in college). Math is not something that comes easy to me and before I started to work with Clark I had lots of trouble in my high school calculus class. However Clark helped me to understand the processes and methods much better and I ended up getting a 4 on the AP calc BC exam. In college I have to take physics and I was really afraid of approaching it. However Clark made physics make sense, and on top of that he has some interesting anecdotes he talks about when working on physics (he worked a lot in physics related fields). I ended up getting an A in physics, in a large undergraduate course where many struggled. I am currently working with Clark on calculus, and I plan on continuing to do so and then working with him when I have more physics classes to take. I also will testify that Clark definitely has experience teaching and knows how to teach. As far as I’m aware he has a masters in education and has taught several courses before and it definitely shows as he just knows how to explain stuff. Anyways looking forward to my next session with him.

Carla, 43 lessons with Clark

Engaging, thoughtful and highly effective

Clark is working with my high school Algebra honors student. Clark is extremely organized, engaging and thorough. We are off to an excellent start and look forward to seeing the results of this partnership.

Marissa, 4 lessons with Clark

Fantastic Tutor

We have been working with Clark for a long time and he is a fantastic tutor, he understands our child and how to best instruct him. He is very knowledgeable, patient, and flexible. He is one of the best!

Jose, 155 lessons with Clark

Knowledgeable and patient

Clark is working with my daughter on physics. She does not have a science background, and is struggling. He is breaking it down so that she can understand it well, while building up her confidence. He clearly understands the material very well, and can describe it in multiple ways.

Laura, 4 lessons with Clark

So easy to work with, thanks.

I had some basic math questions related to astronomy and Clark was very helpful and welcoming. I didn't know how to use a scientific calculator and Clark showed me that it wasn't even needed for the work I was doing!

JUNE, 1 lesson with Clark
Hourly Rate: $56
Response time: 1 hour
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