Hands-on Opportunities Research Articles

The interplay of energy and motion of coupled pendulums: a high school student exploration

Abstract The experiment of string-coupled pendulums offers high school students a hands-on opportunity to explore fundamental principles of physics while developing critical skills. In this experiment, students investigate how an oscillating pendulum transfers kinetic energy to a stationary one, resulting in a cyclical exchange marked by role reversals. The motion of the coupled pendulum is studied using a simple smartphone equipped with free software. Pendulums of equal length and point-mass are arranged in three different configurations: pendulum on a fixed rod, pendulum on a string, and string-coupled pendulum. These configurations not only exhibit varying time periods but also significantly different amplitude decay patterns. Despite inevitable energy dissipation due to frictional losses and air resistance, the oscillations exhibited by the coupled pendulums clearly demonstrate the interplay between synchronization and energy transfer. This initial hands-on investigation serves as a springboard for a more comprehensive exploration of the captivating energy transfer mechanisms and dynamical characteristics inherent to string-coupled pendulums.

Augmented Reality Enhanced Image Processing Systems for Interactive Worker Training in Industrial Automation

This paper explores the integration of augmented reality (AR) with image processing systems to enhance interactive worker training in industrial automation environments. The proposed system leverages AR technology to overlay real-time visual information, such as instructional graphics and step-by-step guidance, onto physical workspaces, improving the learning experience for workers. By incorporating advanced image processing techniques, the system ensures precise recognition of industrial tools, components and machinery, facilitating context aware training that adapts to the real-time actions of the trainee. This approach aims to accelerate the onboarding process, reduce human error, and increase efficiency in manufacturing settings, providing workers with immersive, hands-on learning opportunities while enhancing safety and operational effectiveness. The paper discusses the design, implementation and potential benefits of AR – enhanced image processing systems in industrial training programs, with a focus on scalability and practical deployment in diverse industrial environments. Keywords— Augmented Reality (AR), Image Processing, algorithms, Interactive Training, Industrial automation.

Inaugural Australian urology bootcamp for early-career medical officers: improving knowledge, skills, and confidence to prepare for registrar years.

Surgical bootcamps provide hands-on learning opportunities for junior doctors and trainees in low-pressure, non-clinical environments. Participants develop skills, knowledge, and confidence in preparation for their registrar years. A number of international urology-specific bootcamps have demonstrated improvements in these technical and non-technical domains. However, there was no such opportunity for Australian doctors. In the first urology bootcamp in Australia, we aimed to assess participants' knowledge, technical skills, and confidence in managing urological conditions pre- and post-bootcamp. Twenty-five early-career medical officers attended the bootcamp and completed a comprehensive written survey at the beginning and end of the bootcamp. Results showed that self-perceptions of knowledge, confidence, and technical skill all improved at the conclusion of the bootcamp (P = 0.01). All participants reported the bootcamp to be 'useful' or 'very useful' in furthering their urological training. This study demonstrates the success of an inaugural Australian urology bootcamp in preparing junior doctors and unaccredited registrars for their registrar training years.

Student reasoning about quantum mechanics while working with physical experiments

Instruction in quantum mechanics is becoming increasingly important as the field is not only a key part of modern physics research but is also important for emerging technologies. However, many students regard quantum mechanics as a particularly challenging subject, in part because it is considered very mathematical and abstract. One potential way to help students understand and contextualize unintuitive quantum ideas is to provide them opportunities to work with physical apparatus demonstrating these phenomena. In order to understand how working with quantum experiments affects students’ reasoning, we performed think-aloud lab sessions with two pairs of students as they worked through a sequence of quantum optics experiments that demonstrated particle-wave duality of photons. Analyzing the in-the-moment student thinking allowed us to identify the resources students activated while reasoning through the experimental evidence of single-photon interference, as well as student ideas about what parts of the experiments were quantum versus classical. This work will aid instructors in helping their students construct an understanding of these topics from their own ideas and motivate future investigations into the use of hands-on opportunities to facilitate student learning about quantum mechanics. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Board Games and Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition: A Mixed-Methods Study on the Efficacy of the EntreComp Framework in Higher Education

The landscape of higher education has witnessed a paradigmatic shift towards methodologies that are more interactive and engaging. The integration of gamification and board games as active learning methodologies in higher education, as well as the instruction in entrepreneurial competencies, has garnered significant interest for its potential to engage and motivate students, thereby enhancing learning outcomes. Gamification, characterized by the incorporation of game design elements into non-game contexts, offers a captivating and novel learning experience that fosters intrinsic motivation and active participation among students. One of the main ways of applying gamification is through board games, providing hands-on opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. A critical aspect of this educational innovation is its contribution to the instruction of entrepreneurial competencies, a domain gaining traction within higher educational settings. The European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp) stands at the forefront of this educational endeavor, offering a comprehensive blueprint for cultivating entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. This study is anchored in the context described above, with a focused aim to delineate which entrepreneurial competencies, as outlined by the EntreComp framework, are most effectively developed through these novel educational interventions. To facilitate this investigation, the "Game It Away!" project was initiated, encompassing three pilot studies. These pilots innovatively employed board games as the medium through which participants could acquire and hone their entrepreneurial skills. A key component of the learning process within these pilots was the maintenance of a learning journal by the students. This journal, filled with various reflective questions, provided a structured mechanism for participants to document and reflect upon their learning journey throughout the project. In this way, by using qualitative and quantitative methodologies, it is possible to verify the evolution of certain competences. The integration of gamification and board games within educational settings, particularly through the lens of the "Game It Away!" project, represents a pioneering approach to fostering entrepreneurial competencies among students. This study, leveraging both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, has illuminated the substantial potential of these innovative pedagogical strategies to revolutionize the teaching and acquisition of entrepreneurial skills as outlined by the EntreComp framework.

KNUST SEG Geophysics Field Camp: A project to study slavery-related archaeology in West Africa

In this article, we describe a field camp in West Africa that explored the use of geophysics in archaeological investigations related to the transatlantic slave trade. Africa's geodiversity and richness of natural resources makes geoscience education essential for social, academic, scientific, and professional growth and development. Field camps serve as a pivotal element of geoscience pedagogy, providing hands-on experiential learning opportunities for budding geoscientists. Due to a lack of funding, there is limited access to and availability of geoscience field camps for students and early-career professionals in Africa. The main goal of our field camp was to delineate archaeological relics related to the transatlantic slave trade in the southeastern part of Ghana. The field camp provided a way to conduct research and train geoscience students in planning and performing geophysical investigations. It also taught students how to process and interpret geophysical data and prepare and present scientific investigation reports. We investigated sites in Aflao, Denu, Hedzranawo, and Keta in the southeastern part of Ghana. Sites of interest included former slave markets, barracoons, and a fort. The project highlighted locations of potential slavery-related archaeological relics and shared the importance of the findings and their implications for understanding the history of transatlantic slavery in Ghana.

412 Awardee Talk: Implementing student-centered teaching and learning strategies in undergraduate animal science

Abstract Student-centered teaching and learning strategies enhance active engagement, foster critical thinking, and promote the practical application of knowledge gained from undergraduate animal science courses. The scholarship of teaching and learning (SOTL) has evolved within the animal science community, with a recent focus on adopting evidence-based teaching activities in college classrooms. We discuss documented SOTL approaches utilized in our program for the development of student-centered teaching and learning. In addition to traditional internships and student research projects, capstone projects utilizing a design thinking approach to solving animal industry problems have proven significantly effective. This problem-based learning program enables students to develop industry networks, understand problems within the industry, and develop creative ways to address the problems. Non-conventional and innovative designs of course assignments can foster student interest and enhance learning experiences. For example, by incorporating engaging and novel resources such as animal industry webinars and podcasts as classroom materials, instructors can reinforce course content and captivate students’ attention to the topic. Specifically, students have appreciated the opportunity to learn from experts not available locally at the university. Developing and utilizing real-world case studies exposes students to farm practices and related decision-making. Involving students in competitive team activities like the Dairy Challenge and Academic Quadrathlon contests develops marketable skills for students while training them to implement the knowledge acquired in the classrooms on a commercial farm. Field trips, short courses, and summer schools provide hands-on training opportunities, enhancing students’ exposure to the industry and opportunities after graduation. Students have identified that animal science topics are relevant beyond the classroom walls in everyday life including grocery store and kitchen, as demonstrated by a significant increase in enrollment of non-animal science major students in the animal science courses. The student-centered programs like Cross-training students in data-driven decision support tools help to develop strong day-one competency of graduates through training and networking within and outside the discipline. With the advent of new technologies and tools, training programs surrounding data management and interpretation should integrate systems knowledge across plant science, animal science, and computer science disciplines. These interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary training activities promote the exchange of ideas while developing systems-level understanding. Furthermore, initiatives like Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) provide students with exposure to diverse thoughts and situations, broadening their horizons and perspectives. For students not able to participate in study abroad and international programs due to time and financial constraints, COIL delivers cost-effective virtual opportunities to develop global understanding and cultural competency. By incorporating these student-centered teaching and learning strategies, undergraduate animal science programs can effectively prepare students for real-world challenges for the next generation of agriculture leaders.

Response to workplace aggression in forensic and secure mental health services: Investigating staff confidence, associated factors, and training needs.

To evaluate forensic and secure mental health services (FSMHS) staff's confidence in managing workplace aggression, identify associated factors, and explore their workplace aggression prevention training needs. Through an online survey, staff rated their experience of workplace aggression, perceived effectiveness of current training, and confidence in responding to workplace aggression, and described training needs. Stepwise multiple regression was used to identify associated factors with statistical significance. Thematic analysis was used to generate themes describing their training needs. The staff perceived current training as low-to-medium in effectiveness, mirroring their confidence in managing workplace aggression. Nurses experienced more workplace aggression compared to other professions. Staff working at High Security perceived current training as less effective compared to those working at Medium Security or Low Security. Qualitative findings underscored the necessity for improved training content, methods, and supportive strategies. Recommendations for enhancing training include: tailoring training to FSMHS settings; equally focussing on both non-physical and physical intervention techniques; providing more scenario-based hands-on practice opportunities; delivering training in a reasonable trainer-trainee ratio; prioritising nurses and High Security staff and integrating other professions into the training framework; and implementing strategies that support staff, consumers, and environment to ensure training effectiveness and applicability.

Social Values, Family Work Involvement and School Education of Children in a Rural Area of Satu-Mare County

This article presents the results of a research carried out in a rural area of Satu-Mare County, which aimed to identify the practices regarding work in family agricultural households of rural children in connection with their school education. Our study is an exploratory research on the involvement of rural children in household work, as well as of the meanings that parents give to family work and school education, taking into account their value systems, expectations, relationships with their families and other relevant factors. For the collection of quantitative data, we used a questionnaire based survey on a representative sample of children and their parents, while for the qualitative data semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents and focus group interview with teachers. The research results reveal that the involvement of children in the work of family households is considered by parents as a natural component of the family socialization of children, related to the need to acquire work skills characteristic of the rural way of life. Among parents there is a preoccupation for the balance between school education and household activities, with an emphasis on the relevance of practical education. Child labour can negatively affect school performance; however, rural life offers children valuable hands-on learning opportunities.

Demonstration of MaskSearch: Efficiently Querying Image Masks for Machine Learning Workflows

We demonstrate MaskSearch, a system designed to accelerate queries over databases of image masks generated by machine learning models. MaskSearch formalizes and accelerates a new category of queries for retrieving images and their corresponding masks based on mask properties, which support various applications, from identifying spurious correlations learned by models to exploring discrepancies between model saliency and human attention. This demonstration makes the following contributions: (1) the introduction of MaskSearch's graphical user interface (GUI), which enables interactive exploration of image databases through mask properties, (2) hands-on opportunities for users to explore MaskSearch's capabilities and constraints within machine learning workflows, and (3) an opportunity for conference attendees to understand how MaskSearch accelerates queries over image masks.

A modular inquiry-based semester theme that integrates data science education and bioinformatics in protein structure function courses.

With an exponential growth in biological data and computing power, familiarity with bioinformatics has become a demanding and popular skill set both in academia and industry. There is a need to increase students' competencies to be able to take on bioinformatic careers, to get them familiarized with scientific professions in data science and the academic training required to pursue them, in a field where demand outweighs the supply. Here we implemented a set of bioinformatic activities into a protein structure and function course of a graduate program. Concisely, students were given hands-on opportunities to explore the bioinformatics-based analyses of biomolecular data and structural biology via a semester-long case study structured as inquiry-based bioinformatics exercises. Towards the end of the term, the students also designed and presented an assignment project that allowed them to document the unknown protein that they identified using bioinformatic knowledge during the term. The post-module survey responses and students' performances in the lab module imply that it furthered an in-depth knowledge of bioinformatics. Despite having not much prior knowledge of bioinformatics prior to taking this module students indicated positive feedback. The students got familiar with cross-indexed databases that interlink important data about proteins, enzymes as well as genes. The essential skillsets honed by this research-based bioinformatic pedagogical approach will empower students to be able to leverage this knowledge for their future endeavours in the bioinformatics field.

SHORT COMMUNICATION PAPER: " STRENGTHENING CONTINUING NURSING EDUCATION: A COMPREHENSIVE MODULE USING MOOCS FOR EFFECTIVE RISK COMMUNICATION IN GLOBAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES"

This study develops an innovative Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) module specifically designed for continuing nursing education considering the critical need for efficient healthcare risk communication in the context of global health emergencies. The study utilised Thiagarajan's 4D development model, which was modified into a 3D model consisting of the stages: define, design, and develop. Through a comprehensive literature analysis, the study attempted to identify variable risk communication strategies that are crucial for successfully handling the always-evolving complexity of health emergencies. A mixed-method approach was utilised to evaluate the readiness among nurses for learning through MOOCs, hence guiding the design and development processes. By employing rigorous literature reviews and focus group discussions, researchers identified and validated crucial information, which ultimately resulted in the development of a MOOC course on the IIUM iTtaleem platform. The developed MOOC module was thoroughly examined by subject matter experts to ensure its accuracy. The pilot test conducted with SASMEC nurses revealed a notable improvement in the participants' understanding and confidence regarding risk communication. The module's interactive elements, such as virtual simulations and case studies, were praised for offering hands-on learning opportunities. The result of the research is a MOOC module that can be accessed worldwide, containing video lectures, quizzes, and virtual scenarios. The dissemination of guidelines for integration into nursing education programmes has highlighted its capacity to strengthen healthcare systems in the face of global health concerns. Future intentions include implementing multilingual translations and partnering with international nursing organisations to guarantee ongoing relevance and influence in the dynamic field of global health emergencies.

Adapting scientific modeling practice for promoting elementary students’ productive disciplinary engagement

ABSTRACT This study explores the adaptations made by elementary school teachers to promote student Productive Disciplinary Engagement (PDE) during modeling activities within an online learning context. PDE means students make collective intellectual progress by using disciplinary practices and ideas to formulate possible solutions or answers. Given the abrupt transition to remote education instigated by the COVID-19 pandemic, student engagement and hands-on learning opportunities have faced significant challenges. This study adopts a collective case study design with an interpretivist perspective, investigating three fourth-grade teachers over the 2020–2021 school year. We collected multiple data sources, including professional learnings, observations, teacher interviews, and student artifacts. The study identified four significant themes pertaining to teacher adaptations that corresponded with increased students’ PDE: leverage technology tools for constructing models; maximise student-centered choice and position students as epistemic agents in modeling; incorporate family and community resources for modeling; and utilise students’ diverse knowledge and expertise in modeling. These findings contribute to our understanding of effective strategies for promoting student engagement and the practical application of scientific modeling in online learning environments.

Peg.Ada: uncovering digital footprint’s career impact for girls

This article introduces an educational game designed to teach girls about the concept of digital footprinting. The primary objective of the game is to impart knowledge on the significance of safeguarding their online privacy and security while encouraging responsible digital citizenship. The game's design incorporates a playful and interactive approach, integrating challenges that engage and sustain the players' interest. We envision this game as a valuable resource for educators and professionals working with girls, aiming to enhance their comprehension of their online presence. The game was applied in a workshop at a high school in Brazil, providing a hands-on opportunity for female students to use acquired concepts and stimulate meaningful discussions on digital security. The results showed that usability, gameplay, and learning issues were all well evaluated.

A new approach to monitoring solvent extraction processes for the nuclear industry

As part of an initiative to steward research, development, and innovation into the nuclear fuel cycle, Idaho National Laboratory is building the Beartooth test bed. Beartooth will include a cascade of centrifugal contactors, glove box lines, and solidification and dissolution equipment to aid in the progression of novel separation techniques and to provide hands-on opportunities to early-career separation engineers. Beartooth will incorporate novel monitoring techniques using sensors and machine learning algorithms to inform process operators of separation conditions. This research is examining unconventional monitoring technologies such as incorporating acoustic microphones, vibration sensors, infrared cameras, red-green-blue color sensors, among others into nuclear separation processes. Research is ongoing in the use of machine learning methods to detect faults and alert operators of typical and anomalous events. Results from this research have the potential to impact safeguards-by-design efforts and real-time decision making. This overview will detail preliminary measurement results from acoustic, vibration, and color sensors.

Using Hissing Cockroaches to Teach Animal Physiology: Course Based Undergraduate Research Experiences

Early student engagement in research has been shown to improve several student outcomes such as critical thinking, problem-solving and increased confidence in scientific aptitude. However, providing every student with access to traditional research experiences is diffcult. Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are a good alternative to traditional research experiences since they are designed to provide students with hands-on research opportunities in scientific inquiry. CUREs have been shown to be a more inclusive entry point to scientific research as they break down barriers faced by many students, especially those faced by underrepresented first generation college students. Student's that participate in CUREs have shown gains similar to those obtained from traditional research experiences including improved research skills, self-effcacy, and an intent to persist in science. In this study, we developed a CURE in an Animal Physiology course at the University of La Verne, a small HSI liberal arts college in Southern California. As part of this CURE, students were trained on handling hissing cockroaches, and worked on this model systems to answer a question on the effects of different environmental factors on the metabolic rates of these ectotherms. Students developed their own hypothesis, designed an experiment, collected and analyzed data, drew conclusions, and presented their findings through an oral presentation. We measured student learning outcomes and affective student gains. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Enhancing neonatal thoracoscopic surgical training with rabbit model

BackgroundThoracoscopy, which has an increasing role in the treatment of indexed neonatal surgical conditions, requires adequate training. To support this, the current study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using live rabbit models in neonatal thoracoscopic skills training among paediatric surgeons. MethodsFollowing didactic lectures and demonstrations, the participants were given hands-on opportunities to perform thoracoscopic procedures. The feasibility and effectiveness of using live rabbit models in neonatal thoracoscopic skills training among paediatric surgeons were evaluated with pre-/post-course procedural confidence scores and a questionnaire. ResultsThis study included 13 paediatric surgeons—2 (15 %) males and 11 (85 %) females—who were evenly distributed. There were four basic surgical trainees, five higher surgical trainees and four fellows in paediatric surgery (mean surgical practice experience: 4.5 ± 3.7 years). Most had experience assisting paediatric (70 %) and neonatal (62 %) thoracoscopic surgery. Only 30 % had experience as the chief surgeon of paediatric thoracoscopic surgery, with none on neonates. Significant improvement was seen in procedural confidence as the assistant and chief surgeon of all procedures post-workshop. The surgeons rated the model positively. ConclusionThe procedural confidence level of paediatric surgeons improved significantly after workshop participation. This realistic and easily reproducible model can help perfect thoracoscopic skills. Therefore, its integration into paediatric surgical training would promote surgical skill proficiency and could improve surgeons’ confidence in neonate operations.

A realistic aneurysm clipping simulation combining 3D-printed and placenta-based models-how I do it.

Neurovascular surgery, particularly aneurysm clipping, is a critical skill for aspiring neurosurgeons. However, hands-on training opportunities are limited, especially with the growing popularity of endovascular techniques. To address this challenge, we present a novel neurovascular surgical training station that combines synthetic 3D-printed models with placental vascular structures to create a semi-realistic surgical field. Our model consists of three components: a 3D-printed skull replica with anatomical landmarks, a malleable silicone parenchyma with a Sylvian fissure, and vascular layers (placenta). The placental vascular layer is catheterized and perfused to replicate pulsatile flow, offering a realistic aneurysm simulation. This innovative training station provides a cost-effective solution (approximately 200 USD once) without ethical constraints. Surgeons can practice essential skills such as Sylvian fissure dissection, managing anatomical constraints like bone, and achieving proximal vascular control. The model's realism allows for training in various scenarios, including clipping with different hand orientations and handling ruptures realistically. Our neurovascular surgical station bridges the gap between existing training models, offering affordability, ecological considerations, and minimal ethical concerns. It empowers neurosurgery residents to refine their skills in handling both emergencies and elective cases under close-to-real surgical conditions, with the potential for independent practice and senior supervision.

Prediction of Student Employability through Internship based on Big Data Analysis

The internship course is among the most important because it gives students a hands-on opportunity to apply their knowledge and get ready to launch a professional career. Internships, yet, don't ensure employability, particularly in cases where a graduate's performance is subpar and internship requirements are not fulfilled. Researchers in the field of higher education face a significant challenge in predicting employability due to the multitude of factors that contribute to this issue. This research presented the methodology for more accurately classifying student data in order to overcome this drawback. Online surveys were used to collect data from Princess Nourahbint Abdulrahman University's College of Computer and Information Sciences information systems (IS) graduates (PNU). The Switching Hierarchical Gaussian Filter (SHGF) is used to preprocess the data at the pre-processing stage. The outcome from the pre-processing is transferred to the feature selection method, which uses Siberian Tiger Optimization (STO) to select the student features. The employed, continuing studies, unemployed, and training are successfully classified using the Multi Fidelity Deep Neural Network. The proposed MFDNN -STO applied to the MATLAB/Simulink platform. To calculate the proposed approach, performance metrics including recall, ROC, computation time, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and F-score were examined. Higher accuracy of 16.65%, 18.85%, and 17.89%, as well as higher sensitivity of 16.34%, 12.23%, and 18.54%, are achieved by the suggested MFDNN-STO method. The computation time was reduced by 14.89%, 16.89%, and 18.23% as well as 82.37%, 94.47%, and 87.76% in comparison to the existing method.

Integrating Genograms and Expanded Family Development Theory in an Application Project for a Family Science Course

This paper describes an innovative approach to teaching about family development over the life course through an application project and assesses its effectiveness in student learning. The integration of genograms and expanded family development theory (FDT) into one project aims to provide an engaging and useful structure for the assignment and promote the inclusion of diverse families. In this assignment, students (1) create their family genogram and (2) write an accompanying paper to identify and apply the FDT stages and developmental tasks to each generation of their family. Assessment results demonstrate that this project provided students with a practical opportunity to apply theoretical course content to diverse, real-life families and helped to recognize family trends across generations. Students appreciated the hands-on learning experience and opportunity for self-reflection, which promoted engagement with course materials. Incorporating genograms and the expanding family life cycle helps to overcome the limitations of the original FDT by being inclusive of all families, thus contributing to more effective preparation of competent professionals.