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goal-less problems
All-year Goal-less Problems for Physics Class
So. Josh* took my Honors Physics exam review activity and expanded it into something bigger and better. As I was reading his post, though, I started thinking about my regular physics classes. They would really like something like that. Of course, I also had to make it my own. I am curating a set of … Continue reading
Building the Projectile Motion Particle Model
Note: This post details my version of the paradigm activity for what is Unit 6 (2-D Particle Models) of the Modeling Instruction Mechanics curriculum. My introduction to this unit varies from the official materials, and my classes build this as their sixth model (after building models for motion, forces, and momentum transfer). Due to differences in math comfort and … Continue reading
Whiteboard Speed Dating
This idea has been percolating for a while, ever since reading Sophie’s post back in September. When we came back from Christmas Vacation and needed to start flexing all of those now-unpracticed skills that we gained in the fall, the time seemed right to try out this crazy new idea. Instructions for Starting the Date … Continue reading
Building the Momentum Transfer Model
Note: This post details my version of the paradigm experiment for what is Unit 9 (Impulsive Force Model) of the Modeling Instruction Mechanics curriculum. My paradigm lab varies from the official materials, and my classes build this as their fifth model (after establishing Newton’s Laws but before considering energy transfer). Hey guys, bring a pencil and a whiteboard next … Continue reading
How to Practice Physics (By Really Trying)
I want to do a better job of teaching my students how to practice physics. When I tell them which skills need work (see the SBG tag for more details), I want them to have some ideas about what it looks like to practice those skills. We say practice, not study: practice definitely means there’s … Continue reading
Goal-less problems
I talked about my use of goal-less problems on my physics semester exam. The essential idea is that the question is actually just a description of a situation. The student’s job is to model the situation as best they can using the physics they know. First step: say which models apply and why. Second step: draw … Continue reading
