Hey everybody!I don't know about the rest of you, but I know I am excited for the second week of classes!
Like many physics majors, I believe visualizing a problem is the key to success. Mechanics is very intuitive because we encounter it on a day-to-day basis. Now I know you all won't be learning about space-time, but this comic makes a great point. As well as grabbing your attention, the pictures you draw for your problems will help you solve problems with a more thorough understanding.
So don't forget to draw your diagrams for problems! It will most likely increase your grade on your exams (Rosengrant et al.).
ALSO! I want everybody to know there will be a Society of Physics Students meeting this Thursday at 12:30PM in Merritt Penticoff 125. I hope to see you all there!
Image source: http://www.xkcd.com/895/
Rosengrant, D., Heuvelen, A.V., Etkina, E. (2006). Case Study: Students' use of multiple representations in problem solving. Retrieved from http://paer.rutgers.edu/ScientificAbilities/Downloads/Papers/PERCDRAVHEE2005.pdf.
Drawing a diagram is ALWAYS a big help - Thanks for the advice, Brandon!
ReplyDeleteI'm a visual learner so diagrams drawing diagrams about the problem is a MUST:) Thanks for the recommendation, Brandon! Looking forward to the Society of Physics Students meeting on Thursday.
ReplyDeleteI agree... Especially if you are stuck on a problem. When in doubt, draw a diagram...It may be a catalyst towards starting the problem
ReplyDeleteShandale McKay:
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. I have noticed that when I draw a diagram it helps me to understand the problem better.
Great advice Brandon, used your tip for the homework.By drawing a visual it helped solve a problem that was giving me trouble.
ReplyDeleteKelsey Irvine:
ReplyDeleteI try to always draw a diagram even if the problem doesn't always need it. I find myself getting too creative sometimes, which may not always help me solve it at first, but it at least helps me get more excited about it. Does anyone else have this problem?
I have tried many times to draw figures and diagrams, but either I get the diagram wrong and it causes me to answer the question wrong, or I draw it to perfection and don't use it at all. The list the givens and finds is much more effective for me!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. Drawing diagrams has helped and it can get you a couple of extra points on your exam :) even if you don't get the correct answer
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I would consider mechanics intuitive. I did bring a lot of misconception with me into this class. Drawing diagrams has helped me get past that.
ReplyDeleteJessica Lang