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Re: What to teach (was: American students do poorly)



Shouldn't all of this have taken place in the K-12 'Science' courses, such
that by the time students get to college the 'specialization' can begin?

rick

-----Original Message-----
From: David Dockstader <DRDOCK00@UKCC.UKY.EDU>


On Thu, 26 Feb 1998 13:01:41 -0500 Tim Folkerts said:
What is "physics"?
First I would ask what is science? ans: Science is a process or methodolgy
for investigating nature. Physics is just a subset of science. It is
science applied to a particular area of nature.
What "facts" should every student know after a year of physics?
Since physics is a process, facts are not the critical issue. There are
many
supposed facts which are useful, but no single fact is critical and all
facts
are subject to change and revision.
What "skills" should every student have after a year of physics?
1. Formulate a problem or question.
2. Carry out an investigation.
3. Analyze the results of an investigation and make reasonable or
justifiable
conclusions from these results.
How do we best accomplish this in 3-4 hr a week?
1. Give students opportunities to do 1-3 above.
2. Have students study examples of 1-3 above that have been performed by
others. Ideally I think the examples should include some of the best work
we
know, but students should also be exposed to some substandard work so they
can appreciate the limitations and pitfalls and learn how to avoid them.
Do the answers depend on whether the students are physicists,
chemists, engineers ...?
In a first year or introductory course I don't think so. It's too eary to
specialize. Students when they do specialize need to already have some
breadth
of exposure so that they have some context in which to view their specialty.
Besides, basic physics is so basic that it is pretty much the same in every
context. This in itself is a valuable perspective to have as it makes the
student aware of the power of physics and the adaptability and flexibility
of those who have been trained as physicists.


--- Tim Folkerts