Computer Instrumentation of Introductory Physics Laboratories

现代科学研究是高度仪器化的，计算机在大多数实验科学和许多理论科学中也起着重要作用。物理学的入门课程，除了教授基础物理和解决问题外，还应该向学生介绍科学家的工作方式和所使用的现代仪器。然而，由于预算限制，物理系很难从20世纪60年代末和70年代初发展起来的实验室模式转变为仪器化的实验室环境，但这样做仍然很重要。这个项目正在帮助印第安纳州立大学物理系实现这一飞跃，通过在入门实验室中安装与各种设备相连的计算机，帮助学生进行数据采集和分析。该项目为仪器实验室提供计算机和接口，用于基于微积分和非微积分的物理课程。与精心设计的实验练习一起，建议的仪器使学生在这两门物理入门课程中的体验显著增强成为可能。国家科学基金会的资金与非联邦来源的资金相匹配。

Modern scientific investigation is highly instrumented, with computers playing a major role in most of experimental science and much of the theoretical, as well. The introductory courses in physics, besides teaching basic physics and problem solving, should give the student an introduction to the way that scientists work and the modern instrumentation that is used. Because of budget constraints, however, it is difficult for a physics department to move out of the laboratory mode developed in the late l960s and early 70s into an instrumented laboratory environment, but it is nonetheless important to do so. This project is helping the Indiana State University Physics Department make that leap by instrumenting the introductory laboratories with computers interfaced to a variety of equipment to help students in data taking and analysis. The project is providing computers and interfaces to instrument 12 lab stations to be used in both the calculus-based, and non- calculus physics courses. Along with well-designed laboratory exercises, the proposed instrumentation is making possible a significantly enhanced experience for students in the two introductory physics courses.NSF funds are being matched with funds from non-federal sources.