Development of a Microcomputer Based Laboratory for Introductory Physics

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A microcomputer-based laboratory for the introductory physics classes has been established. In addition to computers, appropriate interfaces and software lab apparatus that can be used for a variety of computer-based experiments in the first semester of the courses have been purchased. The project has been designed around a network of Macintosh computers. The universal lab interface developed by the Workshop Physics project and the Tools for Scientific Thinking project are being used with appropriate transducers to input data from air track and rotational mechanics apparatus. This project serves to introduce the students in these courses to what has become the main method for data acquisition and analysis in scientific work today. In addition several experiments that previously were not in our program have been introduced. Upperclass physics majors have been instrumental in evaluating equipment and experiment possibilities for these labs. We plan to continue to involve them in the lab development. Eventually the project will evolve to the point that computers will be used in some capacity in almost every lab. Interactive simulation software is being made available for the students to model experiments and study effects, such as air resistance, normally not accounted for. This equipment is being used mainly by students in the introductory labs, but when not being used in that capacity, the computers are available for the upperclass majors to use.