Next-Time Questions are insightful physics questions I’ve posed to students throughout my teaching career, often illustrated with cartoons to spark interest and encourage student thinking. I originally displayed them outside my lecture hall without answers, allowing a full week of wait time before discussion—hence the name, though “Next-Week Questions” may have been more accurate.

Many have been published as Figuring Physics in The Physics Teacher magazine and included in ancillaries to my Conceptual Physics and physical science textbooks. Their power lies in delayed answers. Teachers are encouraged to share and download them freely (they are copyrighted), but answers should always be withheld until “next time”—at least a day later. Avoid using them as quick quizzes; meaningful wait time promotes deeper discussion, debate, and genuine student learning.

These Next-Time Questions represent the outcome of a long and rewarding teaching career. They’re yours to use—please use them as intended.
~ Paul Hewitt