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Math... With a Spoon!
‟Kitchen Physics: Teaching Quantum Mechanics & General Relativity With Spoons.” by
Jonathan Clark <jclark@tnwesleyan.edu>, Tennessee Wesleyan University
(Accepted)
Coauthors:
Abstract:
Advanced physics utilizes mathematical concepts which are often inaccessible to both undergraduate and unprepared graduate students. In keeping with the theme of teaching with spoons, this talk will illustrate examples of presenting advanced modern physics concepts with only using low-level tools accessible to typical math or science majors. In particular, we will derive gravitational time dilation without using the differential geometry of general relativity, we will solve the quantum harmonic oscillator without using Schrödinger’s equation, and we will present a conceptual proof of Bell’s theorem using only Venn diagrams. The intent of this talk is to inspire physics teachers to try utilizing spoons in their classrooms to illustrate otherwise unavailable content using more accessible intuitive tools.
Scheduled for: 2026-03-28 11:00 AM: Math... With a Spoon! Session #4 in Computing and Math 355