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Re: Physics First



I find it hard to teach meaningful, evern conceptual, Physics until students
can think proportionately. Piaget tells us that this requires a certain level
of intelectual development, not normally achieved in ninth grade. I don't
particularly like trying to teach Physics to students who are not at least
juniors.

As much as I like Lowell's idea of integrated science, our district is
plagued with a 25% mobility rate which make such a program hard to mesh with
students comoing and going.

ken fox

It is safe to say that Piaget is _not_ the framer of these particular
'facts;' (1) that proportional reasoning is required to learning
"meaningful, even conceptual, Physics" and (2) that proportional reasoning
is "not normally achieved in the ninth grade." Piaget's work in
understanding the origins of knowing was not about limitations.

Dewey

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Dewey I. Dykstra, Jr. Phone: (208)385-3105
Professor of Physics Dept: (208)385-3775
Department of Physics/SN318 Fax: (208)385-4330
Boise State University dykstrad@varney.idbsu.edu
1910 University Drive Boise Highlanders
Boise, ID 83725-1570 novice piper
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