1. Organization by Topic Enhances Communication in Advanced Lab
Tim Gfroerer
Davidson College

2. Motivation
AAPT Recommendations for the Undergraduate Physics Laboratory:
Communicating Physics
Present results and ideas with reasoned arguments supported by experimental evidence and utilizing appropriate and authentic written and verbal forms
Develop interpersonal communication skills in the lab through teamwork and collaboration

3. The class is organized by topic (3 weeks for each round):
Methods
The class is organized by topic
(3 weeks for each round):
Nonlinear mechanical oscillators
Statistical and thermal physics
Optics and/or quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanical magnetic phenomena
Final projects

4. Example round (nonlinear mechanical oscillators):
Methods (continued)
Example round (nonlinear mechanical oscillators):

5. Methods (continued) During each round:
Students work in groups (pairs) on physically different (but thematically similar) experiments
Groups are encouraged to cooperate and exchange ideas with other groups
Each group gives a joint oral presentation to the class at the end of each round
Q and A during presentations contributes to participation grade (10% of final grade)

6. E-CLASS Survey: What do you think?
Results
E-CLASS Survey: What do you think?
Communicating scientific results to peers is a valuable part of doing physics experiments:
2014
2015
2016
My class
Similar level classes
(Fraction of class with expert-like response)

7. Results
E-CLASS Survey: How important for earning a good grade in this class?
Communicating scientific results to peers:
2014
2015
2016
My class
Similar level classes
(Unimportant) (Very important)

8. Conclusions
Working on projects with shared themes facilitates meaningful scientific exchange between peers
Sharing results from complementary experiments enables informed Q and A during class presentations

9. Questions?