1. A Problem Solving Framework Based on the work of Heller & Heller University of Minnesota Based on the work of Heller & Heller University of Minnesota

2. The traditional “GUESS” method  Givens - Identify the “given” information  Unknown - Identify what is wanted  Equation - Select equation for solution  Solution - Solve equation for unknown  Survey - Make certain solution is realistic  Givens - Identify the “given” information  Unknown - Identify what is wanted  Equation - Select equation for solution  Solution - Solve equation for unknown  Survey - Make certain solution is realistic

3. Focus on the Problem

4. Describe the Physics

5. Plan a Solution

6. Execute the Plan

7. Evaluate the Solution

8. Using the Competent Problem Solver Answer Sheet: Example 1  An airplane lands on a runway at 175mph. The plane uniformly slows to a stop over a distance of 4049ft. What is the average acceleration in meters/second squared? How many g’s does this represent?

9. Using the Competent Problem Solver Answer Sheet: Example 2  A car’s initial mass and velocity are m and v respectively. A truck’s mass and velocity are M and -V respectively. Assuming a head-on collision where they stick together, what is the speed of the vehicles immediately after the collision? The truck is twice the mass of the car; the speed of the car is one-half that of the truck.

10. Using the Competent Problem Solver Answer Sheet: Example 3  A toy rocket leaves the surface of the Earth with an acceleration of 35m/s 2. After 1.3s, the rocket engine expires. Assuming no wind resistance as it coasts upward, how high does the rocket go?