I'm curious what the list thinks. I'll take any comments as constructive criticism.
My h.s. students will do modeling-type labs. For example, plot *Fnet* vs. *a* for a constant mass system. They determine meanings of y-intercept, slope. Then they relate the y=mx+b eqn to variables with which we've become familiar. What can we do to change y-int? What can we do to change slope? What can we do to change eqn from linear to quadratic?
The y-int, slope questions are pretty tough for high schoolers. When we get to changing eqn, we eventually get to an answer that we can't. Why? Cuz this is the way the universe seems to work. We collect data. We plot it. We model it. This is what we get. Why? Dunno. I say that if we continue to ask 'why' that at some point, we get to an answer of 'because', or 'because that is what the data shows.'
I am sure that there are comments on the above. Here is where I expect to take more shots. I'll listen (read) them with an open mind. Thanks in advance...
If a kid asks for more on why the equation is linear. WHY is it Fnet = ma, we review data collection, we review the mathematical model, we review that this model appears to work for all motion. Why does this model work? Dunno. These are the rules of the universe. "If you want to know why it is linear, ask whoever created the universe. They appear to have made the rules. We just want to find the models the universe follows. In this class we try to find the rules.
Similarly, if creationism comes up, I will ask them for the numerical data that they have, we'll plot it out graphically and see what we get. We discuss that science uses data to create rules that the universe appears to follow. If there are conflicts, we do our best to resolve them. When they say it is silly to plot out creationism, or I am just being difficult, then I ask them when they last asked their priest or holy person to explain Kirchoff's Rules.
Where am I in trouble.
Thanks for you input.
plulai
Paul Lulai
Physics Teacher
St. Anthony Village Senior High
Saint Anthony Village, MN
55418
(w) 612-706-1144
(fax) 612-706-1020
plulai@stanthony.k12.mn.us