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Physics is about modelling the world! |
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Models are imagined worlds |
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simplified |
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essential features preserved |
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inessential features missing |
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They are therefore limited and approximate |
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Prediction
(Engineering design) |
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what happens next? |
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what happens there? |
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what happens if...? |
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Explanation
(Physics) |
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that happened because..... |
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Allow quantitative work |
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analysing data |
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formulating laws |
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Physical systems are simple |
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the mathematics does not always look simple! |
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Derived from mathematical models |
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Different types: |
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deterministic |
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probabilistic |
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Different purposes: |
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phenomenological |
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explanatory |
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Models simplify |
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Models may produce spurious results |
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assumptions in mathematical models (eg kinetic theory) |
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numerical artefacts in numerical model (SHM) |
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Physics is about modelling - the nature of
science |
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Modelling should be explicit in teaching |
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Modelling can aid understanding of physics |
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Modelling can aid understanding of mathematics |
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Modelling could motivate students |
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Modern Physics uses both mathematical and
computational modelling extensively |
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-both are vital to an education in physics |
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Computational models (simulations) can give
insight into physical systems |
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Computational models can help in understanding
mathematics |
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A numerical modelling tool |
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Packaged with the Advancing Physics CD-ROM |
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A tool to be used by both teacher and student |
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To teach through simulations |
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To teach through animations |
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To teach through changing models |
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To teach through exploring mathematics |
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To teach
through constructing models |
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Chaotic pendulum (simulation) |
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Definition of resistance (animation) |
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Boat on a river - vector addition (changing
the model) |
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Vector addition (mathematics) |
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Gradients of tangents and chords (mathematics) |
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An oscillating mass on a spring |
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set up the equations |
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look at a graph |
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make an animation |
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Modellus allows: |
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algebraic programming in a natural way |
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display of numerical results as tables or graphs |
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animations to illustrate ideas |
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The program is (relatively) easy to learn |
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The Advancing Physics CD-ROM will contain many
examples |
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Notes