Elementary Practical Science
For each conceptual goal develop at least
one page of notes, for each capability come
up with at least three examples.
A Note About Computer Algebra Systems: I
strongly advise the purchase of Mathematica Home Edition, it is about $300 and is an important addition
to any amateur scientist's toolbox. From
here on I will assume that you are using
Mathematica. There are free computer algebra
systems that you can use.
Unit 1: Introduction to Doing Mathematics
and Science
Once you have some idea of what science is
all about, how do you actually go about doing
it?
Goals:
- The role of observation.
- Making measurements.
- Units of measurement.
- Unit conversions.
- How to study mathematics.
Capabilities:
- Illustrate that a topic or study conforms
to the scientific method.
Useful Exercise
- Start a notebook for studying. I recommend
a bound sketchbook or journal, rather than
a spiral-bound notebook. I also recommend
that you take initial notes from reading,
lectures, doing problems, meetings, and so
on, on note paper or pads and then transfer
the notes to your notebook. Your notebook
is a permament record of your studies and
you should be able to relearn the material
after you have forgotten it.
Useful Sources of Study
- George E. Hrabovsky, (2006), Self-Instruction and Teaching: Science Education
for the New Millenium. This is available for purchase from http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=606172.
- HOW TO STUDY MATH AND SCIENCE, This is a free download for the website:
http://www.engr.utexas.edu/eoe/PeerLeaders/Resources/HowToStudyMath&Science.pdf
- Mayank N Vahia, How to study science. This is a free download for the website:
http://www.tifr.res.in/~vahia/how.pdf
- S. Keshav, (2007), How to Read a Paper, ACM SIGCOMM Computer Communication Review,
Volume 37, Number 3, July 2007. This is a
free download for the website: http://ccr.sigcomm.org/online/files/p83-keshavA.pdf
- Alet Roux, (2003), How to Read Mathematics. This is a free download from the website:
www.math.ucdavis.edu/~tlewis/rfg/jclub/read_math.pdf
- Cal Newport, (2009), The Notebook Method: How Pen and Paper Can
Transform You Into a Star Student. This is a free download from the website:
http://calnewport.com/blog/2009/03/20/the-notebook-method-how-pen-and-paper-can-transform-you-into-an-star-student/
Unit 2: Problem-Solving
Being able to solve problems is at the heart
of all scientific and mathematical work.
Requirements:
Unit 1 Elementary Mathematics and Science:
Introduction to Mathematics and Science,
and Unit 1 Elementary Practical Science:
Introduction to Doing Science, and Unit 1
Independent Study: Introduction to Studying
Mathematics and Science.
Goals:
- The steps in problem solving.
Capabilities:
- Identify the know and unknown quantities
of a problem.
- Identify how the known quantities relate
to the unknown(s).
- Develop a plan for solving the problem.
- Carry out the plan.
- Check that your answer is accurate.
Useful Sources of Study
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