Re: [Phys-l] Algebra based/calculus based laboratory

[chuck britton <cvbritton@mac.com>]

At 3:18 PM -0400 4/8/10, Dr. Richard Tarara wrote:
> We have several labs that span all three clientele--gen-ed, algebra-based,
> calculus-based.  In some cases ('electrician' lab--bulbs and batteries)
> there are basically no differences in the way the lab is presented.  This, I
> think is important.  Your Calculus level students are likely NOT to have a
> very good conceptual grasp of the material and labs that deal with
> conceptual understanding can be every bit as valuable for them as they might
> be for the Gen-Ed student.

I agree wholeheartedly and would also put basic d-v-a-t graphing with 
motion detectors into this same category.
Just because they will 'know' integral calculus doesn't mean they can 
relate the slope of a real time motion graph to the speed or 
acceleration. (And I would avoid the word 'acceleration' like the 
plague until it is absolutely necessary.) Solving problems with 
finding areas of rectangles and triangles is JUST as useful for the 
Calc students as it is for those who are more realistically grounded 
in the concrete hands-on world.

	(Don't make me THINK - just give me the equation to plug into!!!!)