Shubham

When I teach Relativity, for example, I don’t start with Lorentz transformations or tensor notation. I start with a simple question: What if time didn’t tick the same for everyone? This immediately hooks students into the core idea of Einstein’s theory—that space and time are not absolute but intertwined. Using thought experiments like the “twin paradox” or imagining traveling near the speed of light, I help them visualize abstract ideas before diving into the mathematics. Once the imagination is captured, the equations become natural companions rather than intimidating obstacles. Electromagnetism is another topic where I focus on connection rather than complexity. Instead of starting with Maxwell’s equations outright, I first demonstrate how a simple moving magnet can induce a current, sparking curiosity about the hidden unity between electricity and magnetism. I then show how Maxwell’s equations elegantly summarize a vast range of phenomena, from the working of an electric motor to the propagation of light itself. Students often find it empowering when they see how the same set of principles governs both the power grid and the light from distant galaxies. When it comes to Solid State Physics, I use real-life applications to bridge the gap between microscopic theory and everyday technology. Instead of treating crystal lattices and band theory as abstract models, I connect them to devices students use daily—smartphones, LEDs, solar panels. This approach transforms dry content into something immediately relevant, motivating them to dive deeper into concepts like semiconductors, superconductors, and magnetism in solids. In addition, I blend storytelling with experimentation. Students remember more when they see and experience concepts, not just hear about them. A laser pointer and diffraction grating can turn wave-particle duality into a tangible observation. A simulation of gravitational lensing can make general relativity feel less like science fiction and more like an inevitable truth of our cosmos. My IIT training allows me to draw connections between different fields of physics, encouraging students to see the subject as a web of interconnected ideas rather than isolated chapters. I also introduce them to how physicists think—how to question, hypothesize, test, and refine—because mastering physics is as much about mindset as it is about memorizing formulas. Ultimately, my teaching philosophy is simple: inspire first, explain second, formalize last. When students see physics as a way to decode the mysteries around them, the equations stop feeling like barriers and start feeling like keys to unlock the universe. And once that spark is lit, their journey in physics becomes their own—and that’s where real learning begins.