layout: schedule published: true date: ‘2026-10-15’ —

Physical Modeling - Day 4

Repository: https://github.com/colbrydi/physical-modeling

Agenda (80 minutes)

1. 10 min - Check-in and review of the physical-modeling arc
2. 20 min - Discuss validation, interpretation, and model criticism
3. 35 min - In-class repository work, testing, or catch-up
4. 15 min - Share-out and transition to the next modeling block

Learning Goals

By the end of this class, you should be able to:

• Evaluate whether a simulation result is credible in light of its assumptions.
• Distinguish physical behavior from artifacts of implementation or approximation.
• Describe how testing, documentation, and reproducible execution support model trust.

In-Class Focus

This final physical-modeling session brings the unit together. We will use the repository to review the full workflow: physical system, assumptions, computational rules, simulation, observation, interpretation, and validation.

Use the repository as the primary working reference:

• Repository: https://github.com/colbrydi/physical-modeling
• Catch-up targets: 01_SIR_Intro.ipynb, 02-Wave_Equaiton.ipynb, and 03-Finite_Element_Analysis.ipynb
• Supporting code: wave2d.py, run_wave2d.py, and tests/test_wave2d.py

If the core notebook work is complete, use the remaining time to improve the reproducibility of a simulation workflow or to connect physical-modeling ideas to your project domain.

Before Next Class

• Push and document any updates made during the physical-modeling unit.
• Record one modeling assumption you would validate before trusting a simulation result.
• Be ready to connect physical-modeling workflows to the next modeling block.

Daily Check-in and Reflection

Daily Check-in Form