Bulletin of the American Physical Society
2005 Joint Spring Meeting Ohio Section of APS and the Southern Ohio Section of AAPT
Friday–Saturday, April 8–9, 2005; Dayton, OH
Session D3: Physics Education |
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Chair: Rex Berney Room: SC 119 |
Saturday, April 9, 2005 8:00AM - 8:12AM |
D3.00001: Sliding Downhill Horizontally Ulrich Zurcher We study the motion of object sliding on a rough incline plane. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface and the object is such that the magnitude of the gravitational force along the incline F is equal to the magnitude of the kinetic friction S. If the initial velocity of the object is along the incline, the object slides down the incline with constant velocity. We study the case when the object in launched in horizontal direction. We derive exact expressions for the terminal speed of the object and the maximum horizontal displacement of the object. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, April 9, 2005 8:12AM - 8:24AM |
D3.00002: Assessing laboratory instruction by studying student perceptions of introductory physics laboratories Yuhfen Lin, Dedra Demaree, Gordon Aubrecht, Xueli Zou A Q-type assessment instrument, Laboratory Program Variables Inventory (LPVI), $^{1}$ has been given to students in various introductory physics laboratories. The results show that student perceptions are very different between different lab formats. The same inventory was also given to the laboratory teaching assistants (TAs). For interactive engagement labs, the instructor expectations do not seem to relate to the student perceptions directly. The instrument was also used to study Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE) labs at three institutions. With inexperienced instructors and new materials, the Ohio State University ISLE labs have achieved the goal of having students make scientific decisions by promoting student-centered activities. \newline \newline 1. M. R. Abraham, ``A descriptive instrument for use in investigating science laboratories,'' Journal of Research in Science Teaching 19 (2) [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, April 9, 2005 8:24AM - 8:36AM |
D3.00003: Raising Student Interest in Oscillating Systems by a Study of Car Suspensions Klaus Fritsch In mechanics students study oscillations in simple systems made up of a mass, a spring, and a damper. Student interest in this material can be raised considerably by a simple experimental and theoretical study of the suspensions in their cars. Most car suspension systems are very complicated. By simple measurements and by interpreting these through the use of physical and mathematical models, the students can learn much about the behavior of springs and oscillating systems as well as about the importance of using models in science. In particular, I will illustrate various approaches to obtaining a value for the bounce mode frequency of a Toyota Camry. The bounce mode represents purely up-and-down motions of the car body without pitching or rolling. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, April 9, 2005 8:36AM - 8:48AM |
D3.00004: Nanoscience and nanotechnology activities for undergraduates Antonio Cancio, Ronald Cosby Exercises and assignments for a junior-level physics course on nanoscience and nanotechnology are discussed. We describe course topics concerned with the fundamental physics of nanoscale systems, order-of-magnitude estimations, simple models, questions on assigned reading of seminal works in the field, class discussion topics, and student presentations. Computational assignments address electron tunneling, molecular conduction, nanoscale transistors, and carbon nanotubes. The Purdue NanoHub serves as a software and computational resource for the course. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, April 9, 2005 8:48AM - 9:00AM |
D3.00005: Physics and Literature -- An Experimental Course Robert Brecha, Alex Tuss Works of literature have often contained elements of physics either as an integral part of plot development or as a minor character. Several examples from a course offered at the University of Dayton will be presented to illustrate how literary works can be used as a way of discussing physics principles. Works read in the course include the plays ``Proof'' by David Auburn, ``Oedipus Rex'' by Sophocles, ``Arcadia'' by Tom Stoppard and ``Copenhagen'' by Michael Frayn, as well as Thomas Pynchon's novel ``The Crying of Lot 49.'' Students learn not only the theoretical principles needed to understand more fully the literary works, but perform experiments and keep a journal of observations and questions. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, April 9, 2005 9:00AM - 9:12AM |
D3.00006: Peak Oil Production: How to Evaluate Estimates of Depleting Natural Resources? Bruce Craver, Rex Berney, Robert Brecha We review recent data for world oil production along with forecasts that world production is at or near a maximum. Many books and articles about ``peak oil'' have appeared in the non-peer reviewed literature in the past few years; we concentrate on information available from the petroleum industry, governmental agencies and the peer-reviewed literature. A summary of possible alternatives to petroleum will be given, with emphasis given to arguments based on the concept of energy return on energy invested (EROEI). We conclude that there is at least a high probability that ``peak oil'' is close at hand, and if that is the case, the consequences will likely constitute one of the greatest challenges for the current generation of students. The topic of peak oil is one that fits naturally into classroom discussions of energy in introductory physics courses for non-majors. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, April 9, 2005 9:12AM - 9:24AM |
D3.00007: Installing and Using A Personal Response System in the Classroom Todd Smith, Rex Berney, Said Elhamri A classroom Personal Response System (PRS) allows students to individually respond to questions in the classroom. This facilitates the use of checkpoints during a lecture to assess the students’ skills inventory and to foster discussion. This talk will address two aspects of using a PRS: installation and utilization. Issues to be considered for installation include choice of vendor, and whether to tether the IR controller, pick the IR controller up when entering the classroom, or sell the IR controller to the students. A major issue to be considered when using a PRS is whether the students are anonymous or registered, as the PRS installed at UD can allow for quizzes and tests to be administered to the class. The current PRS system at UD was installed during the summer of 2004 and will be demonstrated during this talk. We will also present some data on the students’ response to the PRS that was used for courses in the fall term of 2004. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, April 9, 2005 9:24AM - 9:36AM |
D3.00008: Linux in Math and Science Classrooms Leno Pedrotti A number of high quality, free, math and science software applications, suitable for research and instruction, are available under the Linux operating system. Tools include high quality technical editing software, computer algebra systems, plotting, animation, data analysis applications, programming tools and compilers for a variety of languages, software for producing and displaying presentations, and technical drawing software. Recent advances in the quality of so-called ``live'' compact disks allow an entire Linux operating system including the technical software to be run from the CD ROM drive of a computer without the need to install anything to the computer hard drive. These CD's can be freely distributed to students in order to provide them with an essentially complete technical software suite. An overview and examples of the use of the existing software as well as brief instructions for obtaining the software will be given. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, April 9, 2005 9:36AM - 9:48AM |
D3.00009: A Hall Effect Experiment using LabVIEW Rex Berney Magnetotransport experiments are widely used to characterize solid state materials. I will discuss the issues around designing and implementing a Hall experiment using LabVIEW as the programming base for the control of the temperature, magnetic field, current, and switch positions necessary to do Van der Pauw type Hall measurements. [Preview Abstract] |
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