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I agree, but even here there are problems with the concept. When
6) A great place to move toward true real-world problem solving is the lab,
especially for classes of higher math abilities. For example, I use our
Pasco Ballistic Launchers (mounted on special bases) in an exercise where I
have the students write an equation for the range of the launchers--in terms
of the spring constant. Since the projectile is launched from a height
above the floor but strikes the floor, the kinematics part of the equation
is somewhat complex. Students must devise an experiment to measure the
spring constants--they end up with vertical shots and energy considerations.
When they get it all combined, they put their equations into a spreadsheet,
develop theoretical range curves (function of angle at a fixed spring
compression, function of spring compression at a fixed angle) and then fire
the launchers to get data to compare to their theory.
In other words, moving away from cook-book experiments to more open
investigations and asking for analyses that include developing equations
from the collected data, can provide really useful problem solving
activities. Of course these can't come 'out of the blue'. You need to know
that student can handle simple systems and simple problems before you hit
them with something like the above.