Enhancing the UCSB Physics Learning Center for Teaching Non-science Students

加州大学圣巴巴拉分校的物理学习中心（PLC）是物理楼中的一个设施，功能是互动科学博物馆。我们建议将PLC设置为举办基于微电脑的实验课程或“发现课程”的场所，用于非科学专业的物理入门课程。这门课程，迄今为止没有实验室的部分，将重组，以强调物理的应用和效用。“发现环节”旨在提高非科学专业学生的一般科学素养，并使他们了解科学过程。在“发现环节”中，学生将使用通用实验室接口（ULI）收集和分析时间序列数据，并使用摄像机和VideoLab软件收集和分析视频数据。为此目的将购置新的快速微型计算机。几个选定的仪器的多个设置将被获得用于“发现会话”，因为某些仪器的单个副本，如快速示波器，适用于各种不同的用途。根据这项建议增加到PLC的仪器和微型计算机也将被其他低年级和高年级物理课程的学生用于个人探索和进行基于计算机的家庭作业。此外，这些微型计算机将供天文学学生用于天文图像处理的练习。所有设备都将通过外展项目提供给当地的K-12教育工作者。UCSB文理学院已承诺提供与NSF对该提案的贡献相当的资金。物理系已承诺在1994年秋季学期为舍温博士腾出教学时间，并将提供一名助教帮助开发材料。

9451071 Sherwin The Physics Learning Center (PLC) at the University of California, Santa Barbara is a facility in the physics building that functions as an interactive science museum. We propose to equip the PLC as a site for holding microcomputer-based laboratory sessions, or "discovery sessions," for the introductory physics course for non-science majors. This course, which has heretofore had no laboratory component, will be restructured to emphasize the applications and utility of physics. The "discovery sessions" are intended both to increase the general scientific literacy of non-science majors and to give them an understanding of the scientific process. Students in the "discovery sessions" will collect and analyze time-series data using the Universal Lab Interface (ULI), and video data using camcorders and the VideoLab software for digitized video. New, fast microcomputers will be acquired for this purpose. Multiple setups of several selected apparati will be obtained for use in the "discovery sessions," as will single copies of certain apparati, such as a fast oscilloscope, which are suitable for a variety of different uses. The apparatus and microcomputers added to the PLC under this proposal will also be used by students in other lower- and upper-division physics courses for individual exploration and for carrying out computer-based homework assignments. In addition, the microcomputers will be used by astronomy students for exercises in astronomical image processing. All apparatus will be available to local K-12 educators through outreach programs. The UCSB College of Letters and Science has made a commitment to provide funds to match the NSF contribution to this proposal. The Department of Physics has pledged release time from teaching for Dr. Sherwin for the 1994 Fall quarter, and will provide a teaching assistant to help in the development of materials.