The Heater II

Highlights of the activity

1. This small group activity is designed to help students interpret partial derivatives using contour diagrams.
2. Students work in small groups to determine rates of change using a contour diagram showing isotherms over time and space.
3. The whole class wrap-up discussion emphasizes physical interpretation and the need to specify “with respect to what”.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

Good introduction to interpreting partial derivatives using contour diagrams, emphasizing units and “with respect to what”.

Reflections

• Reflections from the original implementation.

• Reflections from "official" adapters/adopters.

• Reflections from the general public.

Instructor's Guide

• Wiki version

Student Handouts

mvheater2hand.pdf