Re: active learning for special relativity

["S.Goelzer" <sgoelzer@COEBROWNACADEMY.COM>]

Hi
I have found that George Gamow's collection of stories  "Mr. Tompkins in Paperback"
specifically the "City Speed Limit" story to be most helpful and enjoyable for teaching
special relativity. The synopses of the story is that Gamow's character, Mr. Tompkins,
spends time in a world where the speed of light is about 25 mph and the consequences of SR
are commonplace for the citizens there. I have my students produce their own stories and
poems based around the idea of producing 'educational science fiction' - sure beats grading
yet another standard exam.  The assignment is very well received by my juniors and seniors.

HTH
Scott


frank cange

> From: Ben Crowell <bcrowell@SPRINTMAIL.COM>
> Reply-To: "phys-l@lists.nau.edu: Forum for Physics Educators"
> <PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu>
> To: PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu
> Subject: active learning for special relativity
> Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2000 15:00:46 -0800
>
> Can anyone suggest any good sources of active learning
> exercises, discussion questions, ConcepTests, etc. for
> special relativity? I'm teaching the topic as part of our
> two-semester algebra-based physics course.
>
>     Ben Crowell
>     Fullerton College

*****************************
Scott Goelzer
Coe - Brown Northwood Academy
Northwood NH 03261
603-942-5531 ext43
sgoelzer@coebrownacademy.com
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