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Physics (and math) are fun, really
Jim S.

4.8 (516 ratings)

1,135 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $40
Contact Jim
Response time: 3 hours
Jim S.'s Photo
Jim S.'s Photo Jim S.'s Photo

Physics (and math) are fun, really
Physics (and math) are fun, really
Jim S.

4.8 (516 ratings)

1,135 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.8 (516 ratings)

1,135 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Jim

Bio

Unlike many of the tutors that appear on this site, I an not a professional teacher. I have, however, been a tutor for many years. I got my start, quite by accident, while a physics teaching assistant at the University of California. My job was to teach a freshman physics lab course. Most of the students were able to do the lab work but had problems using calculus to do their physics and math homework. One student nailed the issue as similar to taking a french literature course while trying...

Unlike many of the tutors that appear on this site, I an not a professional teacher. I have, however, been a tutor for many years. I got my start, quite by accident, while a physics teaching assistant at the University of California. My job was to teach a freshman physics lab course. Most of the students were able to do the lab work but had problems using calculus to do their physics and math homework. One student nailed the issue as similar to taking a french literature course while trying to learn French at the sane time. So needless to say I spent about half my time teaching the lab course and the rest helping some of the students with their math and physics homework. I found this very rewarding and fun.

After grad school I went to work in industry initially as a applied mathematician in a laboratory. During my working career I continually encountered students who needed help with mathematical concepts and how to apply them in the "real world". I've found the analytical training that is developed as a result of mastering various mathematical disciplines provides an excellent tool for achieving success in many area of life as well as "acing" your next math course.

I use, and encourage students to use MS Excel to help visualize concepts such as distributions, limits, derivatives,finding roots, equations of motion and simulations. The student should have some basic Excel skills.

I also have considerable experience in general corporate management, strategic planning and new product development.

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Education

University of Rochester, NY
Physics
University of California San Diego
Graduate Coursework

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $40
  • Rate details: $20 per hour when the student commits to an extended number of on line sessions. (4 or more)
  • Lesson cancellation: 3 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 3/27/2015

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Fri

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Approved Subjects

Business

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel

I've used Excel for the last 20 years, mainly in engineering applications

Computer

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel

I've used Excel for the last 20 years, mainly in engineering applications

Corporate Training

Microsoft Excel,

Microsoft Excel

I've used Excel for the last 20 years, mainly in engineering applications
Statistics

Statistics

Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

After the subject many times with good success.
Calculus,

Calculus

I tutor to help students achieve any of the following mathematical skills: Students should be able to work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphical, numerical, analytical, or verbal. They should understand the connections among these representations. • Students should understand the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and local linear approximation, and should be able to use derivatives to solve a variety of problems. • Students should understand the meaning of the definite integral both as a limit of Riemann sums and as the net accumulation of change, and should be able to use integrals to solve a variety of problems. • Students should understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral as expressed in both parts of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. • Students should be able to communicate mathematics and explain solutions to problems both verbally and in written sentences. • Students should be able to model a written description of a physical situation with a function, a differential equation, or an integral. • Students should be able to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. • Students should be able to determine the reasonableness of solutions, including sign, size, relative accuracy, and units of measurement. • Students should develop an appreciation of calculus as a coherent body of knowledge and as a human accomplishment.
Physics,

Physics

I tutor the following topics: Newton's Laws Least Action and Lagrangian mechanics Pascal's and Archimedes' Principles solid and fluid mechanics wave motion and sound electricity and magnetism thermodynamics circuits optics quantum mechanics particle physics
Precalculus,

Precalculus

I tutor to cover topics in Algebra ranging from polynomial, rational, and exponential functions to conic sections. Trigonometry concepts such as Law of Sines and Cosines will be introduced. I can also cover analytic geometry and calculus concepts such as limits, derivatives, and integrals. This subject is important for any student planning to take a college algebra or college pre-calculus class.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

The math sections of SAT measure a student’s ability to reason quantitatively, solve mathematical problems, and interpret data presented in graphical form. My tutoring is focused on four areas of mathematics that are typically covered in the first three years of American high school education: Arithmetic, Algebra and Functions, Geometry, and Data Analysis. The Algebra section was recently expanded to include basic College Algebra.
Statistics,

Statistics

Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses
Algebra 2

Math

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

After the subject many times with good success.
Calculus,

Calculus

I tutor to help students achieve any of the following mathematical skills: Students should be able to work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphical, numerical, analytical, or verbal. They should understand the connections among these representations. • Students should understand the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and local linear approximation, and should be able to use derivatives to solve a variety of problems. • Students should understand the meaning of the definite integral both as a limit of Riemann sums and as the net accumulation of change, and should be able to use integrals to solve a variety of problems. • Students should understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral as expressed in both parts of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. • Students should be able to communicate mathematics and explain solutions to problems both verbally and in written sentences. • Students should be able to model a written description of a physical situation with a function, a differential equation, or an integral. • Students should be able to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. • Students should be able to determine the reasonableness of solutions, including sign, size, relative accuracy, and units of measurement. • Students should develop an appreciation of calculus as a coherent body of knowledge and as a human accomplishment.
Physics,

Physics

I tutor the following topics: Newton's Laws Least Action and Lagrangian mechanics Pascal's and Archimedes' Principles solid and fluid mechanics wave motion and sound electricity and magnetism thermodynamics circuits optics quantum mechanics particle physics
Precalculus,

Precalculus

I tutor to cover topics in Algebra ranging from polynomial, rational, and exponential functions to conic sections. Trigonometry concepts such as Law of Sines and Cosines will be introduced. I can also cover analytic geometry and calculus concepts such as limits, derivatives, and integrals. This subject is important for any student planning to take a college algebra or college pre-calculus class.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

The math sections of SAT measure a student’s ability to reason quantitatively, solve mathematical problems, and interpret data presented in graphical form. My tutoring is focused on four areas of mathematics that are typically covered in the first three years of American high school education: Arithmetic, Algebra and Functions, Geometry, and Data Analysis. The Algebra section was recently expanded to include basic College Algebra.
Statistics,

Statistics

Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses
ACT Math, Algebra 2

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

After the subject many times with good success.
Calculus,

Calculus

I tutor to help students achieve any of the following mathematical skills: Students should be able to work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphical, numerical, analytical, or verbal. They should understand the connections among these representations. • Students should understand the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and local linear approximation, and should be able to use derivatives to solve a variety of problems. • Students should understand the meaning of the definite integral both as a limit of Riemann sums and as the net accumulation of change, and should be able to use integrals to solve a variety of problems. • Students should understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral as expressed in both parts of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. • Students should be able to communicate mathematics and explain solutions to problems both verbally and in written sentences. • Students should be able to model a written description of a physical situation with a function, a differential equation, or an integral. • Students should be able to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. • Students should be able to determine the reasonableness of solutions, including sign, size, relative accuracy, and units of measurement. • Students should develop an appreciation of calculus as a coherent body of knowledge and as a human accomplishment.
Physics,

Physics

I tutor the following topics: Newton's Laws Least Action and Lagrangian mechanics Pascal's and Archimedes' Principles solid and fluid mechanics wave motion and sound electricity and magnetism thermodynamics circuits optics quantum mechanics particle physics
Precalculus,

Precalculus

I tutor to cover topics in Algebra ranging from polynomial, rational, and exponential functions to conic sections. Trigonometry concepts such as Law of Sines and Cosines will be introduced. I can also cover analytic geometry and calculus concepts such as limits, derivatives, and integrals. This subject is important for any student planning to take a college algebra or college pre-calculus class.
Statistics,

Statistics

Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses
Algebra 2

Science

Physics

Physics

I tutor the following topics: Newton's Laws Least Action and Lagrangian mechanics Pascal's and Archimedes' Principles solid and fluid mechanics wave motion and sound electricity and magnetism thermodynamics circuits optics quantum mechanics particle physics

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

After the subject many times with good success.
Calculus,

Calculus

I tutor to help students achieve any of the following mathematical skills: Students should be able to work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphical, numerical, analytical, or verbal. They should understand the connections among these representations. • Students should understand the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and local linear approximation, and should be able to use derivatives to solve a variety of problems. • Students should understand the meaning of the definite integral both as a limit of Riemann sums and as the net accumulation of change, and should be able to use integrals to solve a variety of problems. • Students should understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral as expressed in both parts of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. • Students should be able to communicate mathematics and explain solutions to problems both verbally and in written sentences. • Students should be able to model a written description of a physical situation with a function, a differential equation, or an integral. • Students should be able to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. • Students should be able to determine the reasonableness of solutions, including sign, size, relative accuracy, and units of measurement. • Students should develop an appreciation of calculus as a coherent body of knowledge and as a human accomplishment.
Physics,

Physics

I tutor the following topics: Newton's Laws Least Action and Lagrangian mechanics Pascal's and Archimedes' Principles solid and fluid mechanics wave motion and sound electricity and magnetism thermodynamics circuits optics quantum mechanics particle physics
SAT Math,

SAT Math

The math sections of SAT measure a student’s ability to reason quantitatively, solve mathematical problems, and interpret data presented in graphical form. My tutoring is focused on four areas of mathematics that are typically covered in the first three years of American high school education: Arithmetic, Algebra and Functions, Geometry, and Data Analysis. The Algebra section was recently expanded to include basic College Algebra.
Statistics,

Statistics

Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses
Algebra 2

Test Preparation

SAT Math,

SAT Math

The math sections of SAT measure a student’s ability to reason quantitatively, solve mathematical problems, and interpret data presented in graphical form. My tutoring is focused on four areas of mathematics that are typically covered in the first three years of American high school education: Arithmetic, Algebra and Functions, Geometry, and Data Analysis. The Algebra section was recently expanded to include basic College Algebra.
ACT Math, ASVAB

Examples of Expertise

Jim has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 770 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Jim ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.8 (516 ratings)
5 star
(453)
4 star
(49)
3 star
(8)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(5)

Reviews

Great Tutor!

Jim was a great help for my son's exam prep for algebra. He was very professional but personable. He was patient and well prepped with materials to help with the lesson. Even continued to suggest additional material/suggestions after the lesson. Thank you Jim and Wyzant

P, 3 lessons with Jim

Adaptable and well-rounded

Jim helped me with many topics in physics that I was struggling to understand. His review sessions genuinely helped me understand what was being taught in class, and was very flexible with his schedule. Jim was a great tutor overall, and I would definitely recommend if you need tutoring.

Rohith, 6 lessons with Jim

Amazing Teacher

Jim is such a great tutor. My daughter tells me he is so patient and is willing to explain things multiple ways to help her understand difficult concepts.

Jen, 15 lessons with Jim

Knowledgeable, patient, and prompt

Jim has been extremely helpful in my calculus studies. If there was a concept I was struggling to grasp he would take the time to help me understand. He is extremely courteous, and very understanding if I needed to reschedule. I will definitely be coming back to Jim with any future tutoring needs!

Jacob, 8 lessons with Jim

Making a difference

Jim has been an outstanding support and tutor for my AP HS Junior. Jim is clear in his communications with my son and explains difficult information in a way he can understand. Jim explains content to a depth than classroom teachers just don't have time to get in to. My son appreciates Jim's examples that come from his extensive career and I appreciate his flexibility, dependability and fantastic communication with me. His work with my son is making a difference and I look forward to seeing my kid's confidence continue to grow as he moves forward with his education and college planning.

Dawn, 39 lessons with Jim

Knowledgeable, Patient , Excellent Tutor

Jim worked closely with my son on First Year Physics at Penn State University. Jim was patient and able to review the curriculum answering practice problem where my son struggled. Jim also assist in reviewing practice exams and home work problems. With this extra help my son was able to pass physics this semester. Jim is great tutor and highly recommended f

Lorraine, 17 lessons with Jim

First Time Using Jim

We went over some basic RC Circuits, was able to explain some equations to me, and aid me in some example problems in the book.

Ian, 5 lessons with Jim

Reliable

Jim is good at problem methodology. He knows how to navigate problems, even if they are far removed from his considerable specialties. He doesn't hesitate to help, and values the student's success.

Jake, 4 lessons with Jim

Amazing Teacher

Jim has been so much help to my daughter. Jim as helped her feel more confident with both regents physics and pre-calc. Her test grades have improved steadily over the last 2 quarters.

Jen, 15 lessons with Jim
Hourly Rate: $40
Response time: 3 hours
Contact Jim