The links on the table below lead to portable document files that can be viewed and printed on any computer with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
The documents and all material contained therein are © Dean Baird. All rights reserved. They may be used by teachers and students for classroom instruction. Beyond that, no part of these documents may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.
| GUIDES | |
| 1 | Scheme
Develops a Venn diagram to show how physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science relate to each other. |
| 2 | Why-How? - Keynote ("PowerPoint") Presentation (Zipped
QuickTime) Introduces the Why/How Tree, an inquiry process that leads to one of the very few Rules of the Universe. |
| 3 | Rules of the Universe An explicit list of the fundamental principles that can be used to explain all natural phenomena. |
| 4 | Orders of Magnitude Develops the ideas of powers of ten and order of magnitude "rounding." |
| 5 | Greek / Symbols Reference The Greek alphabet and mathematical symbols listed with usage descriptions. |
| 6 | Sci / Engin Notation Reference The rules of scientific, engineering, and SI prefix notation are explained. Includes examples. |
| 7 | Units & Quantities Reference The units of measure (meters, kilograms, seconds, etc.) are listed and described. |
| 8 | The History of Physics An abbreviated history of physics from the Greeks to Unified Field Theory (fits on one sheet). I don't give this out until the end of the unit. |
| JOBS | |
| 1 | Numeric Notation Springboard
- Answers - Keynote ("PowerPoint") Presentation
(Zipped QuickTime) Develops the need for and mechanics of scientific notation, engineering notation, and SI prefix notation |
| 2 | Accuracy, Precision, and Error Springboard
- Answers Distinguishes accuracy from precision; develops ideas of random and systematic error. |
| 3 | Value Judgments Springboard
- Answers - Keynote ("PowerPoint") Presentation
(Zipped QuickTime) Develops the need and basic rules for significant figures. |
| 4 | Ratios
Springboard - Answers Develops the idea of the ratio from the ground up. Does everyone know the meaning of ratios? |
| 5 | Gas Gives Me Math - Answers Practice working with verbal interpretations of ratios. Includes significant figures issues. |
| 6 | Memory Exercises Simple recall exercises in identifying Greek letters and math symbols. |
| 7 | Prelims Patchwork - Answers Exercises in sig fig rounding, scientific, engineering, and SI prefix notation, ratios, and conversions. |
| 8 |
Analog
Measurement Techniques 1 - Answers Measurement involving a digit of estimation on the linear scale of a meterstick. |
| OTHER | |
| 1 2 |
Prelims
Begins with an M (QuickTime) Part of the "Physics Begins with an M" series. Zipped Interactive QuickTime export of a Keynote presentation. Prelims Begins with an M (Keynote) A nifty Keynote presentation of the M's. Trust me, neither Keynote nor PowerPoint are the Great Saviors of education. I recommend using them sparingly if at all. Better to teach! |
| 3 | Prelims Crossword Puzzle - Grid - Clues Crossword puzzles are highly personalized and may not always translate well from my classroom to yours. |
| 4 | Practice
Test Questions - Answers Sample test questions covering electric charge and current electricity. |
| OLD STUFF - NO LONGER SUPPORTED Once unpon a time, these items were part of my curriculum. I no longer use them. |
|
| Conversion
Factors Reference Tables of conversion factors for length, time, and mass. |
|
| Conversions Springboard - Answers | |
| Converting on Algon - Answers |
Click here for a legend and explanation of cryptic terms and abbreviations.
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