Using math in physics -- 2. Estimation
arXiv:2011.12699 · doi:10.1119/5.0021823
Abstract
Learning to use math in science is a non-trivial task. It involves many different skills (not usually taught in a math class) that help blend physical knowledge with mathematical symbology. One of these is the idea of quantification: that physical quantities can be assigned specific numbers. A second is to develop an intuition for scale. One way to help students develop these skills is to teach estimation: the ability to consider a physical situation and put reasonable approximate numbers to it
5 pages, 2 figures