----- Original Message ----
From: "LaMontagne, Bob" <RLAMONT@providence.edu>
To: Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu>; Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu>
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 6:53:02 AM
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Motivating Students
[...]
I doubt if more than 1-2 percent of the population has actually had a practical encounter where they used the kinematic equation - or even the very basic Pythagorean Theorem for that matter.
(*******original message above*************)
Playing a very slight devil's advocate against the original message, perhaps the population has many *chances* at applying those things, if only they recognized them. How many unnecessary calls to electricians, architects, computer repairmen, etc. would be averted if (say) a homeowner had a little confidence at applying simple reasoning to everyday occurrences? Using the kinematic equation or Pythagoream Theorem is different from seeing where it could be useful!