<p>The nature of the typical physics test, a series of problems solved using math concepts, tends to spread out the grade distribution. Kids who can visualize the problem end up with high As, and kids who struggle can fail miserably. My son got 100% on his midterm; his friend, a good student otherwise, got 19%. Other sciences, heavy on multiple choice type tests, compress the range of scores between top and bottom students in the class.</p>
<p>Regarding lousy physics teachers, I recently had a conversation with a mom whose daughter is struggling in the same physics class with my D. She was complaining how terrible the teacher is, how poorly he explains things, how he never answers questions directly. My daughter, who happens to “get it” and has a high A, says exactly the opposite about him, says he gets right to the heart of the matter and explains it perfectly. She considers him one of the best teachers she has had.</p>