Algorithms in Science

Physics

In physics, students can use algorithms or procedures to find out all sorts of useful information.

Students can determine the weight of object using a balancing scale with weights. Start with the heaviest weight on the scale and gradually increase or decrease the amount of weight until the two sides are balanced. Students can find a method which will require the fewest number of "weigh-ings".

Chemistry

Using algorithms, students can learn that step-by-step procedures will produce predictable results, such as when cooking or baking.

Here is a basic recipe for pancakes. What would happen if you switched steps 1 and 4? Would the results be the same? What if you changed the amount of just one ingredient? Let's say you accidentally added 2 cups of flour instead of 1 and you already added the other ingredients - what could you do to make sure the recipe still turns out all right?