Bulletin of the American Physical Society
2008 Joint Spring Meeting of the Texas Sections of APS, AAPT, and Zone 13 of SPS
Volume 53, Number 1
Thursday–Saturday, March 6–8, 2008; Corpus Christi, Texas
Session AAPT2: Physics Teaching, Lectures, and Demonstrations |
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Chair: James Espinosa, Rhodes College Room: Omni Corpus Christi Hotel Marina Tower Padre A |
Saturday, March 8, 2008 10:30AM - 10:42AM |
AAPT2.00001: Holes in Hall Effect Lianxi Ma Hall Effect can be used to determine the signs of current carriers in metals and semiconductors. It is well known that when electrons are current carriers, the Hall coefficient is negative, i.e. $R_{H}<$0; when holes are current carriers, the Hall coefficient is positive, i.e. $R_{H}>$0. However, puzzling arises regarding that in both scenarios, the essential moving particles are electrons. Therefore, there should not have any different effect. We discuss the details about two situations and point out that both quantum and classical mechanics give same current direction under external electric field. However, under the influence of external magnetic field, because the mass of electrons is negative at valence band, electrons move to the opposite direction of its Lorentz force, which behave like a positive charge and give positive $R_{H}$. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, March 8, 2008 10:42AM - 10:54AM |
AAPT2.00002: Summative Evaluation of Polymers, Composites {\&} Sports Materials: An Introduction to Chemistry and Physics. Eric Hagedorn During Fall 2007, 70 pre-science freshman completed a one-credit science course with three goals: 1) enhance and maintain student interest in science majors while completing necessary prerequisite mathematics courses, 2) provide students with a solid content {\&} mathematical foundation for introductory physics and chemistry, and 3) pilot hands-on activities developed for the Materials World Modules program. Eight pre/post quizzes, along with a midterm and final were used to assess student learning. Traditional course evaluations were supplemented with completed SALG (Student Assessment of Learning Gains) instruments. Analysis of these data indicated the following: 1) on 6 out of 7 pre-post quizzes, students showed statistically significant gains with medium or large effect sizes, 2) while students who completed the SALG instrument found all aspects of the course helpful, the hands-on activities were not as helpful as intended, and 3) logistical issues had the most detrimental impact on this course. The evaluation results have led to a number of changes for the Fall 2008 offering of this course. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, March 8, 2008 10:54AM - 11:06AM |
AAPT2.00003: Formula recollection through a never before seen mnemonic technique Shannon Schunicht While in the Army Mr. Schunicht was involved in a mid-air collision rendering him unconscious for three weeks. Everything had to be re-learned, as nursing actions were reported as having been displayed upon awakening from the extended unconsciousness (19 days). Studies in recovery brought about some pragmatic discoveries to compensate for the residual memory deficits. The most valuable discovery was having each vowel represent a mathematical sign, i.e. ``a'' multiplication implying ``@'', ``o'' for division implying ``over'', ``i'' for subtraction implying ``minus'', ``u'' for additon implying ``plus''. and ``e'' implying ``equals''. Most constants and variables are indeed consonants, e.g. ``c'' = ``speed of light'' \& ``R'' = ``Rate/time variable''. ******Note with this technique, additional letters may be added to enhance the letter combination's intelligibility, but these additional letters need ONLY be consonants. Examples will be shown of this techniques applicability to common physics fornulas. Sample cards will be distributed with the presented information. For this reason, ``note taking'' equipment is not required, just attendance! [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, March 8, 2008 11:06AM - 11:18AM |
AAPT2.00004: An Examination of Temperature Fluctuations in the Sargasso Sea James Roberts Temperature data for the period of time -1000 b.c. to 2000 a. d. for the Sargasso Sea have been examined for patterns that signal global warming or global cooling during that period of time. Different periods of time are examined and human events correlated with activities in the temperature to assess the impact of temperature change on human activity. Indicators in the temperature indicate a time when Greenland lived up to its name and was green and settled by the Vikings. A significant signature around -500 b. c. indicates a cataclysmic event of perhaps 100+ years duration befell the Earth. Was this event manmade or of Cosmic origin? Segments of time will be examined for trends in temperature that are assumed to be global in nature to look for signatures of global warming and/or global cooling. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, March 8, 2008 11:18AM - 11:30AM |
AAPT2.00005: Using PhET Simulations in the Introductory Physics Classroom Paul Williams The PhET package of simulations developed at the University of Colorado (http://phet.colorado.edu) is a free package of simulations available on the web covering a wide variety of topics in introductory physics. The author has explored a number of ways to use these simulations in introductory Physics courses including: incorporating them as interactive lecture demonstrations; as part of lab activities; as standalone guided inquiry activities; and as part of conceptual exercises. A few sample activities will be presented as well as some preliminary assessments of effectiveness. [Preview Abstract] |
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