Hello; I also like larry Niven. I do like Ringworld. I also like his Man-Kzin stories quite a lot.
An older book is Rendevous With Rama. I believe by Arthur C. Clark. As I recall, this tale has only classical physics (Newtonian physics) applied in the actions of the story. No hyperdrives, warp drives, teleporters or such. It is also a good read. Should be a bit easier to break down the classical physics involved. I would suggest the initial story and not the later sequels. This is the story I would use if I had your assignment.
Another author is David Drake. I am in particular thinking of his Hammers Slammers series. Some fanciful bits involved that go beyond classical physics, but not too much as I recall.
I also like Charles Sheffield. Higher Education comes to mind.
good luck