The Fishing Net

Highlights of the activity

1. This small group activity is designed to provide practice evaluating flux integrals and interpreting them geometrically, and also motivates the Divergence Theorem.
2. Students work in small groups to determine the flux of water through a fishing net.
3. The whole class wrap-up discussion emphasizes the use of geometric reasoning as one way to navigate through the many sign choices needed to evaluate the flux, as well as the geometry of the final answer and its relation to the Divergence Theorem.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

Capstone activity for surface integrals. The integrals are not difficult, but getting the signs right can be a computational challenge, leading to useful discussion of appropriate strategies. Also sets the stage for the Divergence Theorem.

Reflections

• Reflections from the original implementation.

• Reflections from "official" adapters/adopters.

• Reflections from the general public.

Instructor's Guide

• Wiki version

vcnetguide.pdf

Student Handouts

vcnethand.pdf