Suggestions for improving the mathematical preparation of high school physics students

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: Suggestions and ideas for this paper were obtained from the following sources: reports of committees on improving the teaching of physics; articles' in educational journals; discussions with experienced physics teachers; analysis of the problems in several high school physics texts and in one first-year college text; and discussions with first-year college physics' students. This paper contains several of the basic mathematical principals and skills which the above mentioned sources indicated are essential for one to succeed in high school physics. The principal topics discussed are the following: scientific notation, development of formulas, proportion, variation, and methods of problem solving. Illustrative examples are given to clarify each topic. Included are most of the formulas used in high school physics with pertinent information concerning each formula, and a table of important units of measurement and their equivalents.

Conclusion: Lack of an adequate mathematical preparation is a problem common to most physics classes. This problem can be greatly alleviated by teaching a few of the fundamental principles and skills that are necessary for solving physics problems. Since physics is essentially a problem solving course, it is the responsibility of the physics teacher to teach these principles and skills to his students.