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

9451071舍温加州大学圣巴巴拉分校的物理学习中心(PLC)是物理大楼内的一个设施，其功能是一个互动的科学博物馆。我们建议将PLC装备为举办基于微型计算机的实验室课程的场所，即为非理科专业的物理入门课程开设的“发现课程”。到目前为止，这门课程没有实验部分，将进行重组，以强调物理学的应用和实用。“发现课程”既是为了提高非理科专业学生的整体科学素养，也是为了让他们了解科学过程。在“发现课程”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，并使用摄像机和视频实验室软件进行数字化视频的视频数据收集。为此目的，将需要新的、快速的微型计算机。将获得几个所选设备的多个设置以供在“发现会话”中使用，以及适用于各种不同用途的某些设备的单个副本，例如快速示波器。根据这项建议加入PLC的仪器和微型计算机，也将供学生在其他低年级和高年级物理课程中使用，用于个人探索和进行以计算机为基础的作业。此外，这些微型计算机将被天文学专业的学生用于天文图像处理的练习。所有设备将通过外展计划提供给当地的K-12教育工作者。UCSB文学与科学学院已经承诺提供资金，以匹配NSF对这项提议的贡献。物理系已承诺在1994年秋季季度为舍温博士提供停课时间，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.