Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Every Equation Tells A Story: Using “Equation Dictionaries” In Introductory Geophysics, Jacqueline Caplan-Auerbach

Geology Faculty Publications

Many students view equations as a series of variables and operators into which numbers should be plugged rather than as representative of a physical process. To solve a problem they may simply look for an equation with the correct variables and assume it meets their needs, rather than selecting an equation that represents the appropriate physical process. These issues can be addressed by encouraging students to think of equations as stories, and to describe them in prose. This is the goal of the Equation Dictionary project, used in Western Washington University's introductory geophysics course. Throughout the course, students create personal …