Interview with Author, John Muhammad
Photo Credit: John Muhammad
In my interview with John Muhammad, he shared with me the story behind his book, Physics For Children: An Introduction To Physics Terms And Formulae.
Nadine Muhammad: Please, would you tell our readers about yourself?
John Muhammad: My name in John Muhammad, and I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I grew up in a neighborhood on the Northeast side of Houston known as Trinity Gardens. I am married to my beautiful wife, Nadine Muhammad. We were blessed to have two children. I am also a follower of the Honorable Louis Farrakhan and a member of the Nation of Islam. Currently, I am a graduate student at the University of Texas at El Paso studying to obtain a Master of Science degree in construction management, and I also hold a Bachelor of Science in construction management from Texas Southern University.
Nadine Muhammad: What is your motivation for writing your book?
John Muhammad: When I was growing up in the public school system, I remember being discouraged by teachers and administrators who claimed that Black children scores were low on standardized test in math and science. This portrayal of Black children as being less intelligent has caused them to avoid studying these courses. I was motivated to write this book in order to introduce science to children so that they would not be intimidated when learning science in their later educational careers. Also, this is my attempt to combat the public-school system, who in my opinion miseducates Black children. The public school system is filled with teachers and administration who have low expectations for our children. There are many scholars of education who state that Black students are subjected to systematic barriers to learning in American educational institutions as Madkins and Morton (2021), said: "anti-Blackness is pervasive in science and mathematics education, especially for young learners."
Nadine Muhammad: Would you tell us what your book is about?
John Muhammad: This book introduces first grade through sixth grade level children to physics. The book consist of physics terms, definitions and formulae. For example, the term Work is the transfer of energy by a force acting on an object as it is displaced. Also, Included in the book are illustrations for each term. Some of the terms include a formula that is used to calculate the term.
Nadine Muhammad: What are the benefits that readers will obtain from reading your book, and how will their lives be transformed?
John Muhammad: When children read my book, they will be learning how physics is being demonstrated in their everyday lives. As a result of them being introduced to science at an early age, they will not be afraid to strive for higher academic and career goals. I believe that their lives will be transformed because the mental barriers will have been removed for them and this will allow them to reach their full potential in life.
To build your children's home library with John Muhammad's book, Physics for Children, please use the following link: https://nationsproducts.com/collections/author-spotlight/products/physics-for-children-an-introduction-to-physics-terms-and-formulae
Reference:
Madkins, T. C., & Morton, K. (2021). Disrupting anti-blackness with young learners in STEM: Strategies for elementary science and mathematics teacher education. Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 21, 239-256.