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Relationship of labs to theory portion of the course
Labs can be used
- to illustrate theory (post-theory presentation of labs)
- to develop curiousity about theoretical concepts (pre-theory or inquiry-based learning approach)
- to introduce and/or develop concepts separate from concepts developed in the 'theory' portion of the course
We will structure the lab experience primarily around the "post theory" model although some labs may be used in a "pre-theory" way to provide an inquiry-based experience while some may introduce concepts not extensively developed in the theory portion of the course.
Learning outcomes/Goals of the lab experience
For more detailed copies of correspondence, click here.
1. Connect theory to experiences in the physical world
2. Conduct experimental investigations and guided research to verify and further explore physical laws
Evaluate uncertainties, analyze errors, select options for recording, interact with colleagues, maintain scientific notebook
3. Develop awareness of how research is done and experiments are designed
Learn how research is done (conceptual understanding, investigations, verification, making sense of results), Consider experiment variations and procedural options, set up lab configurations.
4. Deepen conceptual understanding through communication with others
Use an inquiry-based approach to ask "what if?" questions and develop theoretical concepts based on experimentation and other research activities. Communicate results using formal scientific record-keeping as well as a variety of representations (graphs, equations, diagrams, etc..)
Potential list of labs to support first semester (calculus-based) Physics
(Based on BCcampus lab list):
BCcampus lab
|
follows this Theory Unit
|
Orientation to lab work in first-semester (calculus-based) Physics (not written yet)
|
(can be delivered during first week/unit of course)
|
| Measurements and experimental errors (Lab Kit) |
Introduction
|
| One dimensional motion (RWSL) |
Kinematics in One Dimension
|
| Resolving forces (Lab Kit) |
Kinematics in Two Dimensions
|
| Conservation of energy (RWSL) |
Work and Energy
|
| Conservation of momentum (RWSL) |
Momentum
|
| Torque and rotational equilibrium (Lab Kit) |
Rotation and Equilibrium
|
| The simple pendulum (Lab Kit) |
Oscillations, Waves and Sound (could possibly be designed to precede this lab, providing an inquiry-based learning experience)
|
| Oscilloscope speed of sound (RWSL) |
Oscillations, Waves and Sound |
CCCS students may complete any 10 of the following:
01 Experimental Errors and Uncertainty
02 Measurement
03 Trigonometric Measurements
04 Data Collection
05 Acceleration
06 Friction
07 Simple Machine - Lever
08 Simple Machine - Pulleys
09 Pendulum and the Calculation of g
10 Centripetal Acceleration
11 Hooke's Law
12 Specific Heat Capacity of Metals
13 Determining the Speed of Sound
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