Re: apples and oranges

["L. R. Cartwright (Larry)" <physics@scnc.cps.k12.mi.us>]

On Tue, 3 Nov 1998, James W. Wheeler wrote:
> I think you left out a crucial step.  Name things!  Without names folks
> won't talk about things.  Naming variables and unknowns is an important
> step, almost magical, in the way it raises awareness of issues.

You are absolutely positively and 100% correct!  But I didn't leave it
out; that's what "Identify" means. I go all-out and overboard: I insist on
a chart format that identifies data and desired outcomes by name, symbol,
and value where possible (with unit). 
  
For example, a simple falling-object situation: 

************************************************************
* DATA          *      *                                   *
*               *      *                                   *
* -9.80 m/s^2   *  a~  *  acceleration (presumed)          *
*               *      *                                   *
*  750 ms       *  t   *  time (stated)                    *
*  [0.75 s]     *      *       (converted)                 *
*               *      *                                   *
*  0 m/s        *  v0~ *  initial velocity (stated)        *
************************************************************
* OUTCOME(S)    *      *                                   *
*               *      *                                   *
*  [need]       *  s~  *  distance                         *
*               *      *                                   *
*  [need]       *  v~  *  velocity                         *
************************************************************
* RELATIONSHIP(S)                                          *
*                                                          *
*  s = 0.5at^2 + v0t  and   v = at + v0                    *
*                                                          *
*  If v0 = rest, then  s = 0.5at^2  and  v = at            *
*                                                          *
************************************************************
(I hope this came through to you as a rectangular chart)

I find that requiring a highly structured presentation helps the less
organized folks focus on important stuff.  "Be creative, organize your
work anyway that suits you personally" is IMHO the kiss of death for
struggling problem solvers.  Think creatively, present structurally.

Best wishes,

Larry

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Larry Cartwright
Physics, Physical Science, Internet Teacher
Charlotte High School, 378 State Street, Charlotte MI 48813
<physics@scnc.cps.k12.mi.us> or <science@scnc.cps.k12.mi.us>
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