Notation Typically, one of the most difficult components of this lab is the symbolic notation. Either function or subscript notation can be used.
Students have difficulty with both notations.
All notations can be removed from the launch and developed as part of the lesson. From the plexiglas experiment or from questioning about how the light intensity is changing, the need for calculating and representing symbolically the difference is generated. Students can be asked to express the difference or change in light intensity and then share their notations. This process helps students to understand the notation the class selects as well as makes connections between the physical situation and the notation. Our experience is that students settle on a subscript notation after sharing their notations.