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

小行星9451071 位于圣巴巴拉的加州大学的物理学习中心（PLC）是物理大楼中的一个设施，用作互动科学博物馆。我们建议配备PLC作为一个网站举行基于微机的实验室会议，或“发现会议”，为非科学专业的物理入门课程。本课程在此之前没有实验部分，将重新调整以强调物理学的应用和效用。“发现课程”旨在提高非理科专业学生的一般科学素养，并使他们了解科学过程。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VideoLab软件收集和分析视频数据。为此将购置新的快速微型计算机。将获得几个选定装置的多个设置以用于“发现会话”，以及某些装置的单个副本，例如快速示波器，其适合于各种不同的用途。 根据本提案添加到PLC的设备和微型计算机也将被学生用于其他低年级和高年级物理课程，用于个人探索和进行基于计算机的家庭作业。此外，天文学学生将使用微型计算机进行天文图像处理练习。所有设备将通过推广计划提供给当地的K-12教育工作者。UCSB文学与科学学院已承诺提供资金，以配合NSF对该提案的贡献。物理系已承诺1994年秋季季度舍温博士的教学时间，并将提供一名助教，以帮助开发材料。

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.