The Woodlands Christian Academy Fighting for Truth through Physics

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Have you ever heard the saying, “Everything happens for a reason—that reason is usually physics”? At The Woodlands Christian Academy (TWCA), a STEM faculty member is fighting for truth in his physics classes.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Andrzej Sokolowski has been enlightening students with the learning pathways to navigate the study of physics. TWCA welcomed Dr. Sokolowski to the High School faculty last school year after a 20-year tenure with Magnolia West High School where he taught advanced physics and calculus courses.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sokolowski has empowered students’ curiosity about how the world works through the knowledge and wonder of physics. This year at TWCA, he teaches AP Physics 1 and the newly introduced Honors Physics (Pre-AP). He’s taken his classes here a step further by embracing The Warrior Way, including this year’s school-wide focus of “Fights for Truth.” Through his interactive curriculum, he develops independent thinkers ready to fight for the truth through physics. This truth is revealed through interpreting facts about our world regarding fundamental principles to become expert problem solvers.

“My primary objective is for my students to view physics as approachable and enjoyable, breaking the common perception that it is an overly challenging subject. I aim to equip them with critical problem-solving skills and a strong conceptual understanding they can confidently apply in various contexts,” said Dr. Sokolowski. “It is particularly gratifying to hear from former students that their high school physics foundation made college-level physics far more manageable. I strive to provide this kind of success for all my students.”

And this is precisely what he’s doing! Last year, through his AP Physics 1 class, he challenged his students to develop their understanding of physics by developing models of physical phenomena through inquiry-based investigations. They then built on this knowledge by exploring through engaging lab activities, creative constructions, challenging experiments, and real-world applications. This class is the equivalent to the first course in an introductory course sequence at an algebra-based physics college level. And, to great success, last year, Dr. Sokolowski’s students’ passing rate for the AP Physics 1 test was at the highest in TWCA history with a 91% passing rate! Five students in this class who were concurrently taking AP Calculus BC chose to take the AP Physics C exam and had a 100% passing rate. These Warriors went into their exams fully prepared and achieved great results!

With a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction (emphasis on STEM education) from Texas A&M University, Dr. Sokolowski shared what drew him to this field of study. “I have always been fascinated by mathematics and its potential to apply logical reasoning and problem-solving to better understand the natural world. My first meaningful exposure to physics occurred in grade 6 during middle school in Poland, and I was immediately drawn to the subject,” Dr. Sokolowski said. “What fascinated me most was how physics bridged abstract concepts with tangible, real-world phenomena through hands-on experiments. This blend of intellectual challenge and practical discovery ignited a passion for teaching that continues to inspire me today.”

So, every lesson in his classes is impactful as he strives to connect it to real-world applications. “Physics, with its vast and dynamic scope, offers plenty of opportunities to engage students meaningfully,” Dr. Sokolowski continues. “Lessons that involve practical applications through experiments or simulations often leave the most lasting impressions. These experiences not only strengthen students’ understanding but also demonstrate the relevance of physics in everyday life.”

He Wrote the Book(s)
Not only is Dr. Sokolowski making a significant impact here on campus, but he is also a researcher and author with several published books, another in the works, and numerous journal publications. His most recent textbook (published in December 2024) is Developing Students’ Reasoning in Precalculus. With approximately 550 pages, this book aims to develop high school and undergraduate students’ covariational reasoning and algebraic skills to succeed in calculus and STEM subjects.

For the subject of physics, he wrote Understanding Physics Using Mathematical Reasoning, which was published in 2021. The purpose of this book is not only to improve access to the understanding of natural phenomena but also to inspire new ways of delivering and understanding the complex concepts of physics.

He has an international track record of developing innovative mathematics, physics, and STEM teaching strategies. His research focuses on integrating the methods of these disciplines through modeling to produce independent thinkers ready to delve deeper into how nature works.

“I have developed and implemented various laboratory activities for college prep, honors, and AP Physics courses. These labs include hands-on experiments using physical equipment and simulated activities with advanced software tools. The focus of these activities extends beyond uncovering experimental behaviors to applying the concepts in problem-solving scenarios. A collection of these activities is set to be published soon by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. Examples of notable labs include exploring projectile motion, analyzing a roller-coasting motion, and investigating how rotation influences an object’s kinetic energy,” said Dr. Sokolowski.

Why TWCA?
Now entering his second semester in his second year at TWCA, Dr. Sokolowski explained why he chose to come to TWCA. “Teaching at The Woodlands Christian Academy is an incredibly fulfilling experience. The Academy’s emphasis on spiritual growth and academic excellence creates a holistic environment where students and educators can thrive. The small class sizes enable me to provide personalized instruction tailored to each student’s needs, and the student’s dedication to learning fosters an inspiring and rewarding atmosphere. Moreover, the supportive and collaborative community produces a positive culture that enhances the educational experience.”

When asked what he thought TWCA students may not know about him, he continued, " I wish my students knew about my creative side. During my university years, I wrote poetry that was published in university periodicals, and I also enjoyed playing the piano. While these pursuits may seem like a contrast to my professional focus on physics and mathematics, they reflect my belief that creativity and analytical thinking go hand in hand. This combination shapes the way I approach both teaching and problem-solving.”

Dr Sokolowski is truly helping us understand the phrase that bears repeating, “Everything happens for a reason—that reason is usually physics!”

TWCA thanks Dr. Sokolowski for continuing to Fight for Truth bringing to light how God works through physics with endless possibilities along The Warrior Way at Woodlands Christian.