1. Goals of Upper Division Laboratory Experiences Experimentation –design and conduct experiments –analyze data –draw valid conclusions from data –identify important questions to investigate. Communication –write effectively for technical and non-technical audiences –speak effectively in formal and informal situations –effectively use visual representations (such as graphs, pictures and video) and other media

2. Technical skills –modern equipment such as sensors, lasers, optics, pumps and cryogenics –electronics and computer hardware/software associated with experimental control –computer software for reducing data, analyzing data and presenting results. –detect, troubleshoot and fix problems from the experimental design phase through the data analysis phase Conceptual Understanding –develop an understanding of physics concepts and theories –develop an understanding of the methods of physics inquiry and how scientific explanations change over time.

3. Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills –Students should have opportunities for cooperative experiences Safety –Students and instructors in lab courses should have access to modern safety equipment and information –Students and instructors should participate in safety training –Access to references on safety.

4. Assessment Measure all of the aspects of student performance listed above via Lab reports Oral and poster presentations Lab manual Performance assessment

5. Conclusions Laboratory activities should be coordinated with physics learning from books, journals, instructors, students and other sources Success of upper division lab programs should is measured by what our students learn. In order to determine what works, the community must endeavor to measure student learning and characterize the conditions that lead to student achievement. Excellent programs require planning, evaluation and revision informed by the experiences of others.