Re: [Phys-L] Sequence

[Bill Nettles <bnettles@uu.edu>]

I hope this is AFTER you teach them to do unit conversions well.

I like teaching vector algebra first. Even in two dimensions. Of course, in 9th grade you haven't taught trig to them, have you?  If you do kinematics without talking about vectors I believe they are going to develop some bad concepts.

Forces are a good way to introduce vectors early.

I'm trying Jeffrey Schnick's approach this year (editing and converting to LaTeX as I go), and I like it. You have to introduce some quantities by fiat: K=1/2 m v^2, U_g=mgy, etc. but you can do some applicable calculations.  But kinematics without vector concepts...yech.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Phys-l [mailto:phys-l-bounces@phys-l.org] On Behalf Of James Cibulka
> Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 3:00 PM
> To: phys-l@phys-l.org
> Subject: [Phys-L] Sequence
>
> Good day all!
>
> Several teachers at my school have decided they want to teach forces first in
> our ninth grade physics course.
> I currently teach constant velocity, balanced forces, constant acceleration,
> constant net force, energy and finally mechanical waves. One teacher does
> motion then forces, and another does forces first, then motion.
>
> We are being told to show up with our arguments why we should follow a
> certain sequence.  All the headache of college teaching with none of the joy
> it seems!
> Anyone here have an opinion on sequence?  I'd love to hear from you!
>
> Jim Cibulka
> Kirkwood high school
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