This includes the “must haves” for virtually all sciences. For any tools that are more specific in application, that is noted below.
Key concepts:
1. Scientific Method is a systematic and analytical means to investigate phenomena to arrive at objective (unskewed) discoveries that enhance our knowledge of the world we live in. Here are some questions to ponder:
- What is the process?
- Is a disproven hypothesis a bad thing?
- Should the process be followed in a specific order all the time for all experiments? Justify your response.
- Can you compare and contrast the following: prediction/hypothesis; generalization/conclusion; hypothesis/theory/law(principle)/model?
- How has the use of this method improved the world around us?
- How has discoveries in science changed the way we see the world around us?
2. Science and Technology: Technological advancement has happened with new understanding in science. Technology happened because people are applying the science and new science frontiers are happening because new technology allows us new dimensions of scientific investigation through innovations of new instruments for data collection and analysis.
3. Math is a tool all scientists use. Understanding math processes will enhance your ability to understand physical science as math is generally considered the language of physic and chemistry. Can you?
- Solve for a variable in an equation?
- Can you manipulate letters in a physics equation as if they were the numbers?
- Can you solve problems with numbers in scientific notation – addition/subtraction and multiplication/division?
- Can you check your work by using dimensional analysis to see if you get the right units?
- Can you identify the proper equation to use by simply identifying your givens and unknowns?
- Do you have a process for successfully solving word problems?
- Can you find the “zeroes” in a word problem that can potentially simplify your equation work?
- Can you figure out what your are solving for when you read a word problem?
4. SI Units: There are 7 base units for which all measurements in physics are taken (of which there are 5 basic dimensions we can measure in). The units that come from the 7 base units are called ”derived” units. You will be expected to move between different units throughout the year. Can you:
- identify the units in a word problem to determine what was measured?
- break apart a derived unit to its respective base units/dimensions?
- combine base units/dimensions to make it on derived unit?
5. Science can be found in everyday examples, events, and situations. Can you see the science around you? It is EVERYWHERE if you know where to look and how to look for that matter!
For the Physics toolbox lecture from MIT click on “toolbox.”
Need Help with Dimensional Analysis in Physics? Go through this tutorial and the quizzes to gain proficiency.
Need help with Dimensional Analysis in Chemistry? Go through these tutorial and the quizzes to gain proficiency. #1, #2, #3 ( click on the example to get to the tutorial).
