Re: Math and Physics Teacher partnership?

[Pat Keeney <patkeeney@ADELPHIA.NET>]

I am of a split mind myself, being both a math and physics guy (have both
AP Calc and AP Physics right now.)

Key Curriculum does a game job of trying to approach Algebra from a
standpoint of application and practicality.  I have used their Alg 2
program, and my daughter is presently taking Algebra 1 from the book as
well, and it is repleat with authentic data sets and applications accross
the curriculum, including in physics.  We do not use their calculus text,
but it begins with instantaneous velocity. (by Foerster)  IMHO they fall
short in terms of execution, but I love the philosophical direction that
they are moving in.

Food for thought:)

Pat

On Sat, 06 Nov 2004 21:43:06 -0500, Herbert H Gottlieb
<herbgottlieb@JUNO.COM> wrote:

> Scott's idea (below) is EXCELLENT!
>
> However, the problem still remains.  Math teachers are
> generally unfamiliar with physics and there are not enough
> physics teachers available. Are there any "practical"
> solutions to the problem???
>
> Herb
>
>
> On Sat, 06 Nov 2004 13:12:51 -0500 Scott Goelzer <s.goelzer@COMCAST.NET>
> writes:
> > I spend 30% of my curriculum time teaching and reteaching algebra to
> > juniors and seniors anyway.
> >
> > Why not subdivide the curriculum and hand over the topics in
> > physics most suitable for teaching algebra thus
> > providing more time for physics teachers to cover the topics we
> > never get to cover - in the depth we only dream of.
> >
> > Examples of Topics I would like to see covered in math:
> > kinematics and graphing, scaling, projectiles, vectors (math curr.
> > is supposed to do this , but either skips it or massacres it),
> > dimensional analysis, unit analysis, momentum (linear), resistor
> networks,
> > geometric optics, springs and basic SHM...
> >
> > This would also allow math teachers to take over some labs so that
> > they can have the hands on activities they have been told they need.
> >
> > A true and useful version of 'physics first'  packaged as
> > 'experiential ?algebra' or 'physical algebra' could result.
> >
> >
> > Scott



--
Pat Keeney
AP Physics and Calc, Webmaster, and Other Stuff
patkeeney@adelphia.net
http://www.coudersportschools.com
"...begin it now!" - Goethe