Re: Double Explanations

[Dave Hamilton <djhamil@teleport.com>]

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I've added extra lines because the opening lines of PHYS-L messages seem 
to be cut off again.  (I added ten lines of "ten" above this sentence

> My question is:  Do you employ any 'double' explanations in your physics 
> teaching?  One  
> of which is algebraic while the other uses modern communications such as 
> videos and  
> computer simulations.

Yes, I do frequently in my HS physics classes.  I have students "derive" 
circular motion equations using interactive physics simulations, then I 
derive them algebraically.  Also, I use a computer modeling program, 
STELLA, that allows my students to model complex systems.  Right now, 
they are using this program to investigate kinematical relationships (a, 
v, x) - I also have derived the standard kinematics relationships for 
them algebraically.  To be honest, the algebraic explanation is included 
solely to let the students see what a standard derivation looks like in 
physics.  I expect they understand the relationships better from their 
computer work.

Dave

David J. Hamilton, Ed.D.                    "And gladly wolde he lerne,
Franklin HS, Portland, OR                    and gladly teche."
djhamil@teleport.com                          Geoffrey Chaucer