Development of the Introductory Physics Laboratory for Non- Science Students

该项目正在创建一个实验室环境， 理科学生可以主动和独立地收集，图表和 分析各种物理系统上的数据。 目标是 灌输兴奋和内在的兴趣， 在实验室里进行的物理学研究中， 水平，而在同一时间，使入门实验室 经验更准确地反映了科学的本质 现代世界 实验室设计必须足够灵活， 适应学生有限的数学技能和没有 实验室经验，同时允许完成 在规定的实验时间内进行实验。 这些目标正在 通过给入门实验室配备计算机 每两个人一组， 学生 计算机正在使用中， 接口和传感器，以简化数据采集和分析， 同时也极大地扩展了物理现象的数量和类型 非理科专业的学生也可以学习的课程。 数据记录和 计算机的快速数据分析使学生能够使用最多的 思考他们在测量什么， 实验的变化。 快速而多样的图形 数据的呈现允许高水平的分析， 介绍性实验室成为积极的和启发性的 经验应该是。 该学院将以同等数额的资金来匹配该奖项。

This project is creating a laboratory environment where non- science students can actively and independently collect, graph and analyze data over a wide range of physical systems. The goal is to instill the excitement and intrinsic interest that should be present in the laboratory study of physics even at the most basic level, while at the same time to make the introductory laboratory experience more accurately reflect the nature of science in the modern world. The laboratory design must be flexible enough to accomodate students with limited mathematical skills and no laboratory experience while allowing for completion of the experiments with the allotted lab period. These aims are being achieved by equipping the introductory laboratory with computers in sufficient numbers that there is one for each group of two students. The computers are being used, with appropriate interfaces and sensors, to simplify data taking and analysis as well as greatly expanding the number and type of physical phenomena that may be studied by non-science majors. The data logging and rapid data analysis of the computers allow the students to use most of the lab period to think about what they are measuring and to try variations of the experiment. The rapid and varied graphical presentation of data allows for a high level of analysis and the introductory laboratory becomes the positive and enlightening experience that it should be. The college is matching the award with an equal amount of funds.