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Edward F. Redish
Learning to create, use, and evaluate models is a central element of becoming a scientist. In physics, we often begin an analysis of a complicated system with highly simplified or toy models. Simplified toy models fill our introductory physics classes, but we often tend to use them without comment or motivation. An understanding of the value and utility of toy models is not a cognitive resource that many of our students bring to an introductory physics class. As a result, some students infer that physics is irrelevant to their understanding of the real world and are discouraged from making the cognitive blend of physics concepts with math symbology essential for making sense of physics. In this paper, I discuss the the need to be explicit and intentional in the introduction and use of toy models in introductory physics classes. The paper also addresses often-hidden barriers that make it difficult for our students to accept and understand the value of toy models and suggests instructional approaches that can help.
This paper is the fourth in a series of five articles on how to help students develop the scientific reasoning skills required to effectively use mathematics in science. The author and publisher are temporarily offering this article for free access.
The Physics Teacher: Volume 59, Issue 9, Pages 683-688
Editor's Note: See Related Materials for links to the additional articles that comprise this series: Collection Overview, plus articles addressing dimensional analysis, estimation, anchor equations, and functional dependence.
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<a href="https://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm?ID=16485">Redish, Edward F.. "Using Math in Physics: 4. Toy models." Phys. Teach. 59, no. 9, (November 19, 2021): 683-688.</a>
AIP Format
E. Redish, , Phys. Teach. 59 (9), 683 (2021), WWW Document, (https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0025840).
AJP/PRST-PER
E. Redish, Using Math in Physics: 4. Toy models, Phys. Teach. 59 (9), 683 (2021), <https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0025840>.
APA Format
Redish, E. (2021, November 19). Using Math in Physics: 4. Toy models. Phys. Teach., 59(9), 683-688. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0025840
Chicago Format
Redish, Edward F.. "Using Math in Physics: 4. Toy models." Phys. Teach. 59, no. 9, (November 19, 2021): 683-688, https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0025840 (accessed 25 March 2025).
MLA Format
Redish, Edward F.. "Using Math in Physics: 4. Toy models." Phys. Teach. 59.9 (2021): 683-688. 25 Mar. 2025 <https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0025840>.
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@article{
Author = "Edward F. Redish",
Title = {Using Math in Physics: 4. Toy models},
Journal = {Phys. Teach.},
Volume = {59},
Number = {9},
Pages = {683-688},
Month = {November},
Year = {2021}
}
Refer Export Format
%A Edward F. Redish %T Using Math in Physics: 4. Toy models %J Phys. Teach. %V 59 %N 9 %D November 19, 2021 %P 683-688 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0025840 %O application/pdf
EndNote Export Format
%0 Journal Article %A Redish, Edward F. %D November 19, 2021 %T Using Math in Physics: 4. Toy models %J Phys. Teach. %V 59 %N 9 %P 683-688 %8 November 19, 2021 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0025840 Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
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The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. Using Math in Physics: 4. Toy models:
Accompanies
Using Math in Physics: Overview
A link to the overview article by E.F. Redish that explains how all items in this collection are related to the topic, "Using Math in Physics". relation by Caroline Hall
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Using Math in Physics: 6. Reading the physics in a graph
A link to the sixth in this series of six articles: "Using Math in Physics 6: Reading the physics in a graph". relation by Sam McKagan
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Using Math in Physics: 1. Dimensional Analysis
A link to the first in this series of six articles: "Using Math in Physics 1: Dimensional Analysis". relation by Caroline Hall
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Using Math in Physics: 2. Estimation
A link to the second in this series of six articles: "Using Math in Physics 2: Estimation". relation by Caroline Hall
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Using Math in Physics: 3. Anchor equations
A link to the third in this series of six articles: "Using Math in Physics 3: Anchor Equations". relation by Caroline HallKnow of another related resource? Login to relate this resource to it. |
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