Development of Hands-On Learning in Modern and Traditional Optics

鉴于越来越多的证据表明，被动倾听是学习物理的一种低效方式，该项目正在开发现代和传统光学的新的动手学习体验。这两个密切相关的主题在技术上越来越重要，并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，该项目涉及两个主要发展：现代光学自成一体的实验室课程，以及伴随而来的针对未来教师的传统光学课程和实验课程的设计变化，将强调互动学习和概念理解。物理和天文学系特别适合这个项目，因为它包含了普通科学专业的教师认证计划。该项目还发展了与高中教师的合作，形成了一个整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生研究项目设施。新的现代光学实验课程包括七个常规实验和三个本科研究项目，侧重于概念、相关理论、测量和技术应用。该实验室配备了激光、光学元件以及光学和电子仪器。这门课程让我们得以一窥激光物理学在视觉美学之外的丰富内涵。通过实验课程获得的经验可以为学生进行有指导的本科生研究项目和在光学相关行业就业做准备。这门课程还让在职和职前教师接触到现代光学的重要概念，并帮助将这些概念传播给公立学校的学生。在光纤进入信息网络、光学计算机即将出现、电子学让位于光子学的时代，这门课程的重要性怎么强调都不为过。

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.