Category: Physics

On the Physics Modeling email list there has been a discussion of finding tangents to a parabolic curve using an Excel spreadsheet. The primary way we use this is when students graph position vs time of a ball rolling down a ramp. Students discover that the relationship can be modeled as a parabolic equation, x = at2+bt+c. If they can...

I have updated my Analyzing data using your TI-83 or TI-84 calculator handout. New features include: Using the Table features to have the calculator solve for variables. Using Draw to calculate the slope of the tangent to a curved line. Standard letter size (8.5×11 inches) for easier printing. You can download a copy here: TI-graphing-calculator-tips-for-science.pdf. It is in PDF which...

In my physic classes, we do a lot of labs. Students are encouraged to create their own data tables, but many aren’t so “linearly” inclined, and have difficulty creating neat tables. I created a generic data table they can use on any lab. Design of the data table Most of our labs require three measurements of ten different settings of...

At the AAPT meeting in Ann Arbor, I presented a poster on concept mapping in physics classes. An idea that arose there was the creation of a concept map of the ASU Modeling Cycle, so I created one. Take a look and let me know what you think. I’ll probably make adjustments to it when I get suggestions. Modeling cycle...