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Learn how computer tools enhance physics education in introductory courses through the Activity Based Physics curriculum, promoting student engagement, conceptual understanding, and skill development.
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ALOP 2007 Workshop in São Paulo, Brazil Use of Interactive Technologyto Promote Active Learning in Physics Priscilla W. Laws Research Professor of Physics Dickinson College, USA
Activity Based Physics Combining Physics Education Research (PER) with computer tools to enhance learning in introductory courses
ABP Group* • Maxine Willis • John Garrett • David Jackson • Scott Franklin • Kerry Browne • Bob Teese • Pat Cooney • Karen Cummings • Priscilla Laws • David Sokoloff • E.F. Redish • Ron Thornton • * Supported off and on since 1986 by : • National Science Foundation (USA) • U.S. Department of Education (FIPSE) • The Charles A. Dana Foundation
ABP Group Activities • Curriculum development • Apparatus Design • Computer Hardware & Software Design • Physics Education Research • Dissemination
Activity Based Learning Environment • Students construct knowledge from their own observations and peer discussions • Students are challenged to compare predictions (based on their beliefs) to their own observations • Students change their beliefs when confronted by differences between their initial beliefs and their own observations and experiments • Instructor is a guide rather than an authority
Computer-Assisted Data Acquisition Hardware (CADA) Interface to USB Port on Computer Motion Detector Temperature Sensor Force Sensor * Vernier Software & Technology (www.vernier.com) ** PASCO scientific (www. pasco.com)
Computer-Assisted Data Acquisition Software Collect Data from one or more sensors in “real time” • Position • Sound waves • Temperature • Magnetic Field • Pressure • Current and Voltage • And many more Interface to USB Port on Computer • Insert a video and analyze positions on each frame Motion Detector Temperature Sensor Force Sensor * Vernier Software & Technology (www.vernier.com) ** PASCO scientific (www. pasco.com)
An Example of CADA The Ultrasonic Motion Detector
Computer Assisted Data Acquisition & Analysis Tools (CADAA) • Learning Kinematics with an ultrasonic Motion Detector first by walking and then by observing the motions of low friction carts with attached fans
Computer Assisted Data Acquisition & Analysis Tools (CADAA) • Learning Kinematics with an ultrasonic Motion Detector first by walking and then by observing the motions of low friction carts with attached fans • Open Kinematics.cmbl file
Video Capture & Analysis Software Capture Software: LoggerPro or VideoPoint Capture
Demonstration of LoggerPro Video Tools 1. Capture 2. Analysis Open Movie Capture and Analysis
Why Newton’s Laws Are Hard to Teach • the 1st law is unbelievable • the 2nd law is incomprehensible • the 3rd law is mere religious incantation • –Jon Ogborn
Computer Software • Use the LoggerPro Software with either: • A motion detector or • Video capture and analysis Box on carpet Cart on Track
Verifying Newton’s 1st Law by Inductive Reason and Experiments
Relate Force and Acceleration by Using a Motion Detector & Force Sensor
Computer Assisted Data Acquisition & Analysis Tools (CADAA) • Newton’s Second Law using a Force Sensor & Motion Detector (or Accelerometer) Open Fvs.A.cmbl
Computer Assisted Data Acquisition & Analysis Tools (CADAA) Verify Newton’s Third Law using Remote Force Sensors • Open Car-Truck_Synch2.mov • Open Run2_CarTruckData&Photos.cmbl
Our Philosophy of Computer Use • Flexible tools to explore and model the real world through direct investigation • Transferable computer skills • Not used as a tutorial device • Simulations only used if real experience is inaccessible
Conceptual Evaluations • The Force Motion Concept Evaluation (FMCE) • The Heat and Temperature Concept Evaluation (HTCE) • The Light and Optics Concept Evaluation (LOCE) • The Electric Circuits Concept Evaluation (ECCE) • The Mathematical Modeling Concept Evaluation (MMCE) • The Vector Evaluation Test (VET) http://physics.dickinson.edu/~wp_web/wp_resources/wp_assessment.html
The Force & Motion Conceptual Evaluation (FMCE) Results of Pre & Post Testing using Activity Based Physics Curricula
Traditional Instruction FMCE Results University of Oregon ‘89- ‘ 90 N = 240 students
Very New Products 1. LabQuest (Vernier Software & Technology 2. Classroom Spectrometry 3. The $100 USD Computer: One Laptop Per Child (OLPC)
Vernier Software & Technologywww.vernier.com • A hand held device • Screen can be seen outdoors • Compatable with 30 or more Vernier Sensors • Data can be collected and analyzed immediately • Has 6 sensor inputs
Screen can be seen outdoors • Use as interface with a computer • Transfer Data to a computer or memory stick
Specifications • LCD and Black & White displays at 200dpi (900x1200) • Microphone & 3 USB Connectors • Video Camera • Wireless communication • Runs 6 v. Battery (NiMH)