Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 2 of 2
Full-Text Articles in Physics
Physics First, Marcelo Alonso
Physics First, Marcelo Alonso
Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Faculty Publications
It is true that now most biology courses begin with the DNA molecule, and many chemistry courses introduce the notion of electronic orbitals in atoms and molecules, topics for which students are not well prepared, since most of them have not taken physics courses. Physics courses in turn relegate to the end some discussion of the structure of matter and electromagnetic interaction, or do not discuss that at all. Thus, students miss the overall picture.
How Big Is Our Sun?, Mark Moldwin
How Big Is Our Sun?, Mark Moldwin
Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Faculty Publications
Putting large numbers into human perspective by using ratios of a known quantity to an unknown quantity is an important scientific skill. An astronomy activity that encourages the use of estimation and helps students get a handle on large numbers is the making of a scale model of Earth and Sun that is relative in both size and distance.