Case Studies in the Introductory Physics Laboratory

在物理入门实验室中使用案例研究解决了实验室改进的两个重要动机。首先，由于生物化学、数学和物理专业的数量增加，以及物理课程的振兴，该学院基于代数和基于微积分的入门物理课程的招生人数自1994年以来增加了一倍多。其次，需要对入门物理实验室进行教学改革，以更好地让学生为课堂之外的世界做好准备，并更好地培养理解和应用物理的能力。这个项目中的实验室项目侧重于为期一学期的团队案例研究，在这个项目中，学生发展一种科学的方法来探究和解决问题，加强对物理概念的理解，培养对工作的主人翁意识，体验将物理应用到现实生活中，并学习交流他们的研究和结果。在选择了案例研究的主题后，每个学生小组选择并确定了自己设计的案例研究，然后提出并进行了一系列的测试和测量。在整个案例研究过程中，讲师会定期提供指导和反馈。每个团队报告初步结果，并建议进行额外的测试和测量。团队使用精选的计算机接口传感器、数字化视频和普通实验室设备进行案例研究。案例研究最终以物理“开放参观”和为万维网准备的正式报告而告终。案例研究还补充了五个基础物理实验，称为Interlues，这些实验发展基本技能，强化基本物理概念。通过案例研究的方法，鼓励学生成为积极的学习者，并将这种能力扩展到其他学术经验。该方案的结果将在地方和国家会议上介绍，并提交在适当的期刊上发表；示范案例研究将张贴在迦太基网页上，供其他机构的感兴趣各方查阅。

Using Case Studies in the Introductory Physics Laboratory addresses two important motivations for laboratory improvement. First, enrollments at the college in both algebra-based and calculus-based introductory physics has more than doubled since 1994 due to increasing numbers of biology chemistry, math and physics majors as well as revitalization of the physics program. Second, a pedagogical renovation of the introductory physics laboratory is needed to better prepare students for the world beyond the classroom and better foster an ability to understand and apply physics. The laboratory program in this project focuses on semester-long team-based Case Studies in which students develop a scientific approach to inquiry and problem solving, reinforce understanding of physics concepts, develop a sense of ownership of their work, experience application of physics to real-life situations, and learn to communicate their research and results. After choosing a topic for Case Study, each student team chooses and defines a self-designed Case Study, and later proposes and conducts a series of tests and measurements. Regular instructor guidance and feedback is given throughout the entire Case Study process. Each team reports preliminary results and proposes additional tests and measurements to be made. Teams conduct Case Studies using a selection of computer-interfaced sensors, digitized video and ordinary lab equipment. Case Study culminates with a physics "open house" and a formal report prepared for the World Wide Web. Case Studies are supplemented with five basic-physics experiments, called Interludes, which develop basic skills and reinforce fundamental physics concepts. Through the Case Study approach, students are encouraged to become active learners and to extend this capability to other academic experiences. Results of this program will be presented at local and national conferences and submitted for publication in appropriate journals; exemplary Case Studies will be posted on the Carthage web page for access by interested parties at other institutions.