There has been some discussion here about whether we should talk about
applications (physical models) or theory (math model) first in a physics
course. It is as though they are two different and independent things; they
are not. And that is why Physics is so difficult and so disliked by so many
students. Chronologically, I think it is safe to say that the physical model
always came first in the mind of the scientist. Yet, there are so many
teacher/instructors who insist that we should just present the math model,
then maybe throw in a few examples later and move on. How many students,
majors and nonmajors, can understand a math model that is coming out of
theory? Maybe 1 in a thousand. If the student can make sense of the math
model, great. Then he just makes a few deductions to get the physical model.
If he can make sense of a physical model, he makes a few generalizations and
ends up with the math model. Maybe it would help to come at it from both
ends. One thing is certain, it ain't workin the way we are doin it now.
Fred Bucheit retired Physics teacher I think is the antidote
to I believe.