Peer Instruction: A User's ManualPresents an entirely new approach to introductory physics within a calculus-based conceptual and a mathematical framework. It offers an approach to presenting the material that is more gradual than existing books on the subject. KEY TOPICS: Peer Instruction: A User's Manual develops the full conceptual framework of each chapter within the first section of that chapter while addressing questions common to that topic. The material in this section concentrates on the underlying ideas and paints the big picture, whenever possible without equations. The second part of each chapter then develops the rigorous mathematical framework linked to the material presented in the first part. Each chapter also includes a short set of qualitative, conceptual questions at the end of the first section designed to strengthen the focus on the conceptual framework and facilitate understanding of the mathematical framework. The book is written in a lively, engaging style that anticipates the questions readers will have, articulates them, and answers them in a direct dialogue with the reader. MARKETS: A valuable reference book for anyone desiring an understanding of physics as it relates to engineering and science. |
From inside the book
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A static fluid in a container is subject to both atmospheric pressure at its surface
and Earth ' s gravitation . The pressure at the bottom of the container 1 . depends
on the height of the fluid column . 2 . depends on the shape of the container .
When a hole is made in the side of a container holding water , water flows out
and follows a parabolic trajectory . If the container is dropped in free fall , the
water flow 1 . diminishes . 2 . stops altogether . 3 . goes out in a straight line . 4 .
curves ...
A lead weight is fastened on top of a large solid piece of Styrofoam that floats in a
container of water . Because of the weight of the lead , the water line is flush with
the top surface of the Styrofoam . If the piece of Styrofoam is turned upside ...
What people are saying - Write a review
I"m a teacher of math and I stumbled on Eric Mazur's work on Youtube. The PeerInstruction Network is worth subscribing to to get the most recent blog posts. Julie Schell has an excellent summary of the method at Julie Schell Peer Instruction on youtube... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rixx-Qtnt5I
The key points are setting up a "concept test" which is a question that students discuss. This is how to get studnets participating in the class rather than passively receiving information... and the teacher gets some idea of how the student understands the material when the test or quiz is given on paper. Using Mazur's method, the teacher can find out quickly how many students get the concept.
The book might be focused largely on calculus and physics, but its resources can be adapted to apply to other sciences ... and I've used some of his procedures in a history class, too.