We all run into problems—physics problems, real-life emergencies, coding frustrations, lab setups, you name it. The instinct is often to jump straight into action, but that’s usually how mistakes get made. APEX is a simple framework I use in physics and in everyday thinking to slow things down, bring structure to the chaos, and make better decisions.
APEX stands for:
Assess → Plan → Execute → eXamine
It works because it gives you a sequence. Order matters. You can’t plan before you understand the situation, you shouldn’t execute before you have a plan, and you definitely shouldn’t walk away before checking if things actually worked.
Why APEX?
APEX turns “where do I even start?” into something predictable and manageable. Whether you’re solving a Coulomb’s Law problem or dealing with a real-world emergency, the steps don’t change. Break the problem into parts, think clearly, and avoid panic.
The Four Steps
1. Assess
What do you know? What don’t you know? What’s the situation?
This step is about gathering information without judgment or rushing.
2. Plan
What tools, equations, or actions do you need?
You form a strategy—simple, clear, and executable.
3. Execute
Do the thing. In a physics problem, this means plugging in values, drawing diagrams, or performing the calculation. In real-life scenarios, this is where you actually act on your plan.
4. eXamine
Did it work? Does the answer make sense? Do you need to adjust anything?
Most problems don’t require perfection—they require reflection.
APEX Resource Files
I use APEX constantly in my physics classes. It’s especially helpful for problems that seem overwhelming at first glance. In the APEX document, I walk step-by-step through a Coulomb’s Law example involving two charged nanobots in a fluid channel. Students see how each APEX step narrows the chaos into a clean calculation.
The accompanying slide deck offers a concise visual version of the same idea, showing how Assess–Plan–Execute–eXamine can be taught quickly and reinforced frequently.
APEX is not just a classroom tool—it’s a mindset.