Classical Mechanics
Electricity & Magnetism
Fluid Mechanics
Optics
Oscillations & Waves
Thermo & Stat Mech
Vetted
Highlights:
Specific tools and activities that can help students build math-in-science skills
Abstract:
Using math in science is quite different from the way math is taught in typical math classes. Math is used in science to organize conceptual knowledge, build models, study functional and parameter dependence, consider extreme cases and many other things. For many students the key missing factor is learning to blend their knowledge of the physical world with math and to make physical meaning with mathematics. This lesson set identifies specific tools and approaches that can help students develop math-in-science skills. It provides a thread that can be called on and reinforced throughout the course.
Resource Types:
Homework, Exam problem, Student reading
Authors:
TOPICS
Physics Topics:
Life Sciences Topics:
Human and Animal Physiology
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Math Topics:
Algebra
INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
IMPLEMENTATION
Equipment required:
Basic implementation tips & tricks:
How does this resource fit into the flow of your course?
PEDAGOGY
Pedagogical approach:
Skills / Competencies:
What insights or realizations do you hope students gain from this resource?
Why is this resource useful to life sciences students?
DISCUSSION
LOGIN or REGISTER to see implementation reports and 3 comments and join the discussion.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
Copyright: 2024 Edward Redish
CC: BY-NC-SA - Attribution, No Commercial uses and Share Alike. Derivative works must have the same licenseLast Edit Date:
Search the Portal
Living Physics Portal
Resources and community for teaching physics for life sciences
©2026 American Association of Physics Teachers
Funded by the National Science Foundation
