Physics Education Research and the Intermediate Physics Laboratory Dr. Steven C. Sahyun UWW Science Alliance November 3, 2006

Physics Education Research Physics Education Research involves a coordination between Researching Student Learning, providing Curriculum Development, and enhancing and modifying Instruction. Research Instruction Curriculum Development Curriculum Development Learning Models Learning Models “McDermott wheel”

Physics 221: Intermediate Lab The Learning Model for this course is context development via project oriented goals. Students complete laboratory modules that prepare them for a laboratory based project that is performed and presented at the Synchrotron Radiation Center (SRC). Each of the two-week modules represents an aspect of the experiments at the SRC. Lab Station 1:Electron properties  Helmholtz coil field mapping.  e/m ratio  Millikan Oil Drop Lab Station 2: Magnetism Magnetic dipole moment and torque experiments Lab Station 3: Computer Interfacing. Data generation and analysis with LabVIEW Lab Station 4:Material Properties.  Mars Rover Spectra (APXS)  Scanning Tunneling Microscope  Visible Spectra Three-week Hands-on and remote experiment project at the Synchrotron Radiation Center National Laboratory

SRC Field Trip

SRC Field Trip and Experiment Pix at src

SRC Poster Presentation Students spend three weeks collecting, analyzing, and preparing their data for a poster presentation. The students present their posters to interested SRC staff during a second field trip to the SRC facility at the end of the project.

Research Surveys - MPEX (Physics Expectations) SRC impressions survey Quantitative ability survey (under development) Research Instruction Curriculum Development Curriculum Development Learning Models Learning Models

Curriculum Development Improving access and opportunities through equipment access and greater skill building. Example: National Instruments LabVIEW grant. Research Instruction Curriculum Development Curriculum Development Learning Models Learning Models

LabVIEW is a computer programming and interface system widely used in research and industry to gather and analyze data and to control equipment. UWW Students working with LabVIEW

Future Developments The three “I”s for our students: Involve students - providing opportunities for internships, field studies, or other summer experiences. Improve resources - equipment donations and development opportunities. (Cody Kreischer, NI, Alan Stanford, and Mel Sahyun) Implementation of resources across advanced laboratory courses.