We've just finished launching our first round of rocket experiments. If you have video, send me the link and I'll post it up. In the meantime, we will begin doing our first "Problem Solving". In Physics the Problem Solving standard refers to a certain way of approaching math problems using physics equations. You don't have to memorize equations, but you do need to know to use them.
We are going to start with some basic problems in physics next class. To get ready, please watch these two videos: (Many thanks to my AP physics students from last year).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zta8mXmZwmY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc15vS_XEtM
Notice the key parts of beginning problem solving:
1 - What are you looking for?
2 - What do you know?
3 - What equation do you need to use?
4 - Solve. However, in Physics no number is "just a number". Instead, every number has a UNIT to go with it, because it represents something in real life. 44 miles is NOT the same as 44 feet. "2" could mean anything. "2 Seconds" means a short amount of time. "$2" is enough money to buy a coffee. Maybe.
Never write a number in Physics without a Unit.
Units, Units, Units!
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