Visualizing Equations in Physics with 3D Plastic Surfaces

POSTER

Abstract

Many physics students have difficulty visualizing and representing multivariable functions. While useful representations of these functions exist, there is a demand for additional tools and activities to help students make connections between variables and understand the relationships among those variables. The Raising Physics to the Surface project is developing 3D plastic models (surfaces) of functions found in physical systems, including mechanics, thermodynamics, and electrostatics. We discuss how the surfaces can be used in classroom activities and what benefits or disadvantages are provided by the inclusion of surfaces during instruction.

Authors

  • Jonathan W. Alfson

    Oregon State University

  • Kathryn Hadley

    University of Idaho, Oregon State University, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611, Univ of Puget Sound, UNIST, St. Mary's University of Minnesota, Winona State University, Choice Research Group, Western Washington University, University of British Columbia - Okanagan, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  • Kathryn Hadley

    University of Idaho, Oregon State University, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611, Univ of Puget Sound, UNIST, St. Mary's University of Minnesota, Winona State University, Choice Research Group, Western Washington University, University of British Columbia - Okanagan, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  • Kathryn Hadley

    University of Idaho, Oregon State University, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611, Univ of Puget Sound, UNIST, St. Mary's University of Minnesota, Winona State University, Choice Research Group, Western Washington University, University of British Columbia - Okanagan, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  • Kathryn Hadley

    University of Idaho, Oregon State University, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611, Univ of Puget Sound, UNIST, St. Mary's University of Minnesota, Winona State University, Choice Research Group, Western Washington University, University of British Columbia - Okanagan, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI)