MG15 - Talk detail

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Abstract

The teaching of GR in school requires a presentation that does not go beyond elementary mathematics. We propose an approach of this kind, based on the representation of curved spacetimes by sector models. A sector model represents a 2D or 3D subspace of a 4D curved spacetime, the model being true to scale. It is created according to the description of curved spacetimes in the Regge calculus, where the spacetime is subdivided into small, flat sectors. For pedagogical purposes, 2D and 3D sectors can be built from paper or cardboard. Based on the description of curvature and geodesics in the Regge calculus, geodesics on sector models are constructed with pencil and ruler and curvature components are read off the model with a protractor. Sector models as tools for teaching GR can be used on all levels: We have held and evaluated workshops and courses for students in grades 6 to 13 (ages 11 to 19 years), as well as for pre-service and in service physics teachers. This presentation will give a short overview of the model-based approach and will then focus on the visualization of the curvature tensor using 3D and 2+1D sector models.

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