Development of Hands-On Learning in Modern and Traditional Optics

鉴于越来越多的证据表明，被动倾听是一种低效的学习物理的方式，该项目正在开发现代和传统光学的新的实践学习体验。这两个密切相关的主题在技术上越来越重要，可以在公立学校教师的培训中发挥重要的积极作用。特别是，这个项目涉及两个主要的发展：一个独立的实验室课程在现代光学和传统的光学讲座和实验室课程，针对未来的教师，这将强调互动学习和概念理解的设计变化。物理学和天文学系特别适合这个项目，因为它拥有普通科学专业的教师认证课程。该项目还与高中教师合作，形成了一个综合和增强的光学课程，包括两门理论课程，两门实验室课程和一个本科研究项目设施。 新的现代光学实验室课程包括七个常规实验和三个本科研究项目，强调概念，相关理论，测量和技术应用。该实验室配备了激光器，光学元件，光学和电子仪器。本课程提供了一个瞥见到丰富的激光物理学超越其视觉美学。 通过实验室课程获得的经验可以为学生定向本科研究项目和光学相关行业的就业做好准备。本课程还使在职和在职教师了解现代光学的重要概念，并有助于将这些概念传播给公立学校的学生。在光纤进入信息网络、光计算机即将出现、电子学让位于光子学的今天，这门课程的意义怎么强调都不过分。

In view of the growing evidence that passive listening is an inefficient way to learn physics, this project is developing new hands-on learning experiences in modern and traditional optics. Both of these closely related topics are of increasing technological importance and can play a significant, positive role in the training of public school teachers. In particular, this project involves two major developments: a self-contained laboratory course in modern optics and a concomitant design change of the traditional optics lecture and laboratory courses, aimed at prospective teachers, which will emphasize interactive learning and conceptual understanding. The Physics and Astronomy Department is particularly well positioned for this project since it houses the teacher certification program of general science majors. This project also is developing collaborations with high school teachers, resulting in an integrated and enhanced program in optics consisting of two theory courses, two laboratory courses, and a facility for undergraduate research projects. The new modern optics laboratory course includes seven regular experiments and three undergraduate research projects emphasizing concepts, related theory, measurements, and technological applications. The lab is being equipped with lasers, optical components, and optical and electronic instruments. This course provides a glimpse into the richness of laser physics beyond its visual aesthetics. The experience gained through the lab course can prepare students for directed undergraduate research projects and for employment in optics-related industries. This course also exposes in-service and preservice teachers to important concepts in modern optics and helps diffuse these concepts to students in public schools. The significance of this course cannot be overemphasized at a time when the optical fiber is in the information network, optical computers are on the horizon, and electronics is giving way to photonics.