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Re: active learning for special relativity

Since you are interested, I have found the following guidelines useful.

When assigning them the special relativity fiction assignment, I put several limits on their boundless creativity:

1) They may change the values physical constants, but not the laws that govern them. No changing the way the universe
works- as we know it.
2) They may introduce "new" technology if it does not violate the first rule.
3) All events relating to time, motion, mass, length must be calculated with an internally consistent system, not
invented. There must be events.
4) They must illustrate as many principles of SR as possible through their work.
5) They may use any literary vehicle for their story. Bonus point for getting all of SR into a single haiku.

HTH
Scott

Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2000 16:18:52 -0500
From: "Robert W. Harris" <rwharris@CATH-MEM.ORG>
Subject: Re: active learning for special relativity

I've used Gamow's story often when teaching relativity. (For anyone who
wants to know, the paperback is published by Cambridge University Press.
ISBN 0-521-09355-4)

It is nice to have your students **intentionally** producing science
fiction. I must try that. My students seem to produce science fiction
on exams where it is neither expected nor intended, and is not awarded
points.

Br. Robert W. Harris
Catholic Memorial High School
rwharris@cath-mem.org
http://www.cath-mem.org/physics/contents.htm

-----Original Message-----
From: S.Goelzer <sgoelzer@COEBROWNACADEMY.COM>
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.


--

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