MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract: Arguably, the most difficult aspect of studying physics or math is not the abstruseness of the concepts. Rather, it is the problems -- in homeworks, on exams -- that give us pause, that we stumble over and eventually declare, "I can't do this." Part of the difficulty comes from the lack of attention given to problem-solving in physics and math classes, even though it is the most important skill that these courses can impart. It is in fact, so important that the eminent mathematician George Polya felt compelled to write a book dedicated to problem-solving. In the same spirit, I shall try to provide a resource that students may find instructive and helpful. This guide synthesizes perspectives and strategies from people who have essentially built their careers around solving problems, such as Richard Feynman, David Morin, and Richard Rusczyk. And since the only way to improve problem-solving skills is through practice, a small sample of physics problems will accompany this guide. With any luck, this guide will take away some of the fear and anxiety surrounding seemingly impenetrable problems, and make physics fun for (nearly) everyone.

WC = 187

Reader's profile: Disgruntled student who has given up on math/physics -- both in passing their class and in understanding the material.

Reader's response: There is no way this will help me in the slightest. I've tried asking my professor and TA for help, and I've tried going to physics tutoring. Sure, they could show me how to do a certain problem and walk through it step-by-step. But once I'm alone at the back of the chapter with a blank sheet of paper, I can't see how anything taught in class applies to my problem. If can't even understand the concepts, what can 7-10 pages do? How am I supposed to remember so many different strategies and use them on an exam?

Very good plan. Can you share with the undergraduate physic club? Which professors would appreciate your guide?

Dear Team VESSEL,

Attached is a paper that contains a concise, up-to-date methodology of a few of the experiments we have begun. The paper begins with providing brief background information and establishing exigence for the project. Then, methodology gives an overview of the phases of our research, then goes to detail the steps of these phrases. Phase 1 details the design of the graft through electrospining, phase 2 discusses the various coats that will be applied to the graft, and phase three discuses three mechanical and biological tests (MTT assay, suture test, burst test) that will evaluate the graft. The paper then wraps with a conclusion reestablishing the exigence of the project and how such research will contribute to future directions.

WC: 121

Reader Profile: Teammate from team VESSEL that has been abroad and does not understand why some of these tests were chosen to evaluate the graft.

Reader Response: Hmmm I don’t really see why the suture test is chosen to evaluate the graft when in-vivo testing is not being done. After all, what does a suture matter and if aren’t testing them inside a species. Also, I barely understand the literature review let alone try to read this and understand the methodology. What help with this paper even be??