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[Phys-L] Re: In the Private Universe



Discussing applications first as a teaser for the underlying science has
often been used to good effect. I had interpreted Vickie's original post
on this subtopic as advocating discussing applications RATHER THAN the
underlying science. What's important is that the applications are
eventually discussed in a context in which the underlying science is
understood. The primary focus of a physics course should be the physics.
A secondary focus should be important applications of physics principles.
If starting discussions with applications helps to motivate students to
learn the physics, then it serves a pedagogical purpose.

Daniel Crowe
Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics
Ardmore Regional Center
dcrowe@sotc.org

On Thu, 24 Feb 2005 19:39:17 -0600, Frohne, Vickie <VFrohne@BEN.EDU> wrote:

There are others who recommend discussing some of the applications first,
to motivate the discussions of the underlying science. As a student, I
preferred to see an application early on, so that I could see how the new
underlying principle was used.

Vickie Frohne