Write a short summary of what the problem is asking you to solve.
What principles or concepts do you think apply here? Why?
Identify the key concepts and principles that are relevant to solving the problem.
What information do you have, and what do you need to find?
Clearly state what information is given and what needs to be found.
2. Plan Your Approach
Outline your strategy for solving the problem.
Describe your plan for solving the problem. Be specific about the methods or formulas you intend to use.
Why did you choose this approach over others?
Justify why you chose this approach. Why do you think it will work?
Consider any assumptions or simplifications needed.
Clearly state those assumptions/simplifications and how you are applying them to your solution.
3. Execute the Solution
Solve the problem step by step, showing all your work clearly.
Record the steps you took to execute your plan.
Pay attention to units, significant figures, and logical flow.
Be thorough and document all calculations, assumptions, and intermediate results.
Double-check calculations and intermediate steps as you go.
Note any areas where you were unsure or where you had to make a judgment call.
4. Reflect on Initial Results
Does your solution seem reasonable? Why or why not?
Evaluate your final solution. Does it make sense based on the context of the problem?
Compare your answer with expectations or known results (e.g., units, order of magnitude).
Are the units, magnitude, and logic consistent?
5. Identify and Address Errors
Look for mistakes or gaps in your reasoning or calculations. How did you identify and correct these errors?
Reflect on whether your initial solution was correct. If it wasn’t, explain how you identified errors.
Revise your approach as needed to correct these errors.
Discuss how you corrected those errors and what insights you gained from the process.
Ask yourself: How can I improve this solution?
Update your solution based on insights from your reflection.
6. Iterate and Improve
Test your revised approach and verify if it works better.
Document what you learned from the iteration process.
7. Connect and Reflect
What did you learn from solving this problem?
Write about what you learned from solving this problem. Focus on both the content (e.g., physics concepts) and the process (e.g., problem-solving strategies).
How does this problem relate to broader concepts or other problems?
Identify the underlying physics principles in the problem and explain how those same principles apply to other situations or systems you’ve encountered.
What would you do differently next time when solving a similar problem?
Consider how this experience will influence your approach to similar problems in the future. What will you do differently? What will you continue to do the same?
Remember:
Mistakes are essential: They help you understand where and how to improve.
Reflection is key: Taking the time to analyze your process builds deeper understanding.
Be patient and persistent: Iteration is part of mastering problem-solving!
Physics Education Research at UNG 