Microcomputer-based Laboratory Research Articles

Measuring and modeling cosmic ray showers with an MBL system: An undergraduate project

Following a brief historical introduction, a novel method for inducing and measuring cosmic ray showers using a low-cost microcomputer-based laboratory system is described. This reproduction of Bruno Rossi’s classic experiment uses low counting-rate radiation monitors. The advantage of this is that a simple AND gate can be used to trigger coincidences, which makes the workings of the experiment completely transparent to undergraduate students. The disadvantage is that data must be taken for many days to get reasonably accurate results. A simple theory is presented that models the resulting shower curve quite well.

Common Task and Uncommon Knowledge: Dissenting Voices in the Discursive Construction of Physics Across Small Laboratory Groups

In this article, we investigate the multiple roles of dissenting voices in conversations for four Grade 12 physics laboratory student groups. The theoretical orientation draws from sociolinguistics and ethnography to construct a framework for examining the discursive practices of students using microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) data acquisition technologies. The empirical analysis considers the ways each of the four groups negotiated an understanding of a common task involving computer representations of oscillatory motion. The analyses show how the construction of physics tasks by the different student groups involved more than doing, talking, and knowing physics; it also involved establishing and maintaining positions and relationships within the group, negotiating what counts as an appropriate contribution to the developing text, and defining the limits and direction of the task. Results show how a common task led to differential contexts for learning physics, to the construction of different public texts, and to the development of different opportunities for learning physics. In particular, student take up of dissenting positions to group decisions is presented as a way of understanding the differential influence of individual contributions to group interpretations.

A simple extension of Rüchardt’s method for measuring the ratio of specific heats of air using microcomputer-based laboratory sensors

A lower division laboratory experiment is described which measures the ratio of specific heats for air, γ≡Cp/Cv, using Rüchardt’s method augmented by microcomputer-based laboratory sensors. A low pressure gauge transducer records the damped pressure oscillations, leading to a value of γ=1.41±0.04. Adding a laser switch, one can extend the method to determine γ from the ratio of pressure and volume variations, γ=−(dp/dV)(V/p), which yields 1.33±0.05. Nonadiabatic processes are considered.

Variations of a circular-motion lab

This article describes the use of a microcomputer-based laboratory force probe and a conventional circular motion apparatus to measure the centripetal force and period of an object undergoing circular motion.

Can one lab make a difference?

First Page

An introduction to physics education research

At a number of U.S. universities, some physicists are focusing their research effort on physics education research (PER). This paper examines this development in terms of the knowledge of teaching and learning, curriculum projects and practices it has produced. First, a selective review of research and curriculum development projects provides an introduction to PER for readers unfamiliar with it. Studies based on surveys and interviews are emphasized, as well as curriculum projects that make use of microcomputer-based laboratory tools (MBL). Other efforts are mentioned more briefly, but illustrate the breath of research and development activity. Following the review, I examine the evidence for the effectiveness of some of the curricula discussed, and identify three areas in which greater interaction between the PER and educational researchers working in other fields should be fostered: (a) statistical data analysis, (b) micro-analysis of learning situations, and (c) ways in which subject matter knowledge in physics can contribute to school-based projects and educational research. The concluding section of the paper argues for multi-disciplinary graduate programs in physics education, which are intended to provide a solid base in physics as well as research and innovation in education. PACS Nos.: 01.40.Fk, 01.50.Ht

Investigating electromagnetic induction through a microcomputer-based laboratory

Microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) tools have been developed that interface with a great variety of computers. Students use these tools to gather physical data in real time that can later be manipulated and analysed. This new investigative method together with a high standard of precision enables students to investigate many principles of physics that have not previously been feasible. In this article we describe a MBL experiment designed for high-school students that analyses very accurately Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, dealing with each variable separately while the others are kept constant.

An introduction to physics education research

At a number of U.S. universities, some physicists are focusing their research effort on physics education research (PER). This paper examines this development in terms of the knowledge of teaching and learning, curriculum projects and practices it has produced. First, a selective review of research and curriculum development projects provides an introduction to PER for readers unfamiliar with it. Studies based on surveys and interviews are emphasized, as well as curriculum projects that make use of microcomputer-based laboratory tools (MBL). Other efforts are mentioned more briefly, but illustrate the breath of research and development activity. Following the review, I examine the evidence for the effectiveness of some of the curricula discussed, and identify three areas in which greater interaction between the PER and educational researchers working in other fields should be fostered: (a) statistical data analysis, (b) micro-analysis of learning situations, and (c) ways in which subject matter knowledge in physics can contribute to school-based projects and educational research. The concluding section of the paper argues for multi-disciplinary graduate programs in physics education, which are intended to provide a solid base in physics as well as research and innovation in education. PACS Nos.: 01.40.Fk, 01.50.Ht

The driven RLC circuit experiment

This article reports on a microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) that explores the drive RLC circuit. In the experiment, students are able to measure both amplitude and phase relations while varying the frequency of the source. Details of the data acquisition and some typical results are presented.

Investigating power, work and effective values in an AC resistive circuit through a microcomputer-based laboratory

Microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) tools have been developed which interface with a great variety of computers. Students use these tools to collect physical data in real time which can later be manipulated and analysed. This new investigative method together with a high standard of precision enables students to investigate many principles of physics that have not previously been feasible. In this article we describe some examples of experiments designed for high-school students with the help of the MBL Explorer. We mainly analyse power, work and effective (RMS) values in an AC resistive circuit.

'Exploring' the response of an LC circuit to the stimuli of external electromagnetic energy pulses through MBL

Microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) tools have been developed which interface with a great variety of computers. Students use these tools to collect physical data in real time which can later be manipulated and analysed. This new investigative method together with a high standard of precision enables students to investigate many principles of physics that have heretofore not been feasible. In this paper, we describe some examples of experiments designed for college students in an introductory physics course, in which energy pulses were transferred to an LC circuit. We mainly show the response of the circuit to low-frequency external energy pulses and the influence of the distance between the source and the absorbing LC circuit on the energy absorbed by the circuit in its resonant state. The data obtained were analysed by taking advantage of the wide range of facilities in the Explorer MBL.Resumen. Instrumentos de Laboratorio basado en Microcomputadoras (LBM) han sido desarrollados en conjunción con una gran variedad de computadoras. Estudiantes hacen uso de tales instrumentos para registrar los resultados de experimentos físicos durante la realización del experimento, y luego analizarlos en distintas formas. Este nuevo método de investigación, junto con altas normas de precisión, permite que los estudiantes investiguen muchos principios físicos que hasta ahora no tenían la posibilidad de investigar. En este artículo, describimos algunos ejemplos de experimentos proyectados para estudiantes universitarios en cursos de introducción a la física, en los cuales pulsos energéticos son transferidos a un circuito eléctrico de tipo LC. Principalmente se analiza la reacción del circuito al recibir pulsos energéticos de baja frecuencia, y la influencia de la distancia entre el circuito originario de los pulsos y el circuito receptor sobre la energía absorbida por el circuito receptor en estado de resonancia. Los resultados obtenidos fueron analizados aprovechando la extensa gama de facilidades que ofrece el sistema Explorer LBM.

Microcomputer based chemistry experiments - an American perspective

This paper briefly discusses the use of microcomputers for data acquisition and analysis in general chemistry education in the United States. Aspects of successful MBL (Microcomputer Based Laboratory) software development, its present status, and future trends are included.

On the effectiveness of active-engagement microcomputer-based laboratories

One hour active-engagement tutorials using microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) equipment were substituted for traditional problem-solving recitations in introductory calculus-based mechanics classes for engineering students at the University of Maryland. The results of two specific tutorials, one on the concept of instantaneous velocity and one on Newton’s third law were probed by using standard multiple-choice questions and a free-response final exam question. A comparison of the results of 11 lecture classes taught by six different teachers with and without tutorials shows that the MBL tutorials resulted in a significant improvement compared to the traditional recitations when measured by carefully designed multiple-choice problems. The free-response question showed that, although the tutorial students did somewhat better in recognizing and applying the concepts, there is still room for improvement.

Teaching Fourier analysis in a microcomputer based laboratory

Using a sequence of suitably chosen signals and interesting physical examples, Fourier analysis can be taught in an microcomputer based laboratory (MBL) with a minimum of mathematics. Thus, even nontrivial applications like the response of resonance circuits to δ-function inputs can be treated on a very elementary level.

Evaluation of a computer integration strategy in a science teacher's professional development program

A comparison between the list of intended goals of the workshop and actually achieved goals shows that most goals related to teachers' science learning, teacher construction of a science language and their teaching and administrative needs are 472 M. Reiner answered. Science learning experience with computer application such as, storing and retrieval of data, organizing knowledge, constructing graphical representations of various disciplinary aspects of a concept (physics, chemical, biological, social and cultural aspects) are strongly reflected in the various activities. Integration between hands-on experiments and mathematical curves on the screen is supported by real-time analysis of experiments. These are both stated in the goals of the workshop and observed as performed in the actual activities. Data analysis is experienced by teachers in both MBL (microcomputerbased laboratory) activities and in the analysis of experimental results. Table 2 (third column) shows that most representations constructed are also employed by teachers to communicate with each other. Teachers, getting ready to introduce their ideas to colleagues (other participating teachers), found it efficient to use the same graphical representation they constructed for their research project, in order to communicate, justify and discuss their ideas. In this sense, the computer functions as a tool for constructing additional communication tools. Thus integration of computers within the framework of science learning does not interfere with either science learning, development of a science language for communication or computer application familiarity. One of the major goals of the computer is to provide teachers with tools to construct graphical dynamical situations, dominated by an internal representation of scientific rules. Teachers had only a limited experience with conceptual construction through microworlds. Yet the workshop goals did not state deep teacher involvement in a single type of computer environment. It seems that the workshop goals are defined broadly, touching a variety of learning experiences with computers, rather than focusing on a single deep domain. Not that the latter is considered inefficient for meaningful learning: the wider sense of familiarity simply fits the goals of this specific workshop better than a narrow focus. The main opportunity teachers employ for developing familiarity with the computer application is after-schedule hours. We suggest that both the science learning goals and familiarity with computers were achieved because teachers had the chance to practice within a motivating environment, situated within the general goal they wish to complete. As to time and efforts invested, Table 3 indicates that teachers develop a tacit, nonexplicit ‘mechanism’ to decide what the optimal time needed to accomplish the computerbased-science-activity is. The control mechanism is based on a compensation procedure, in which for a high level of difficulty teachers apply a longer time to cope with the activity. Since familiarity with computer application per se does not constitute an aim of this workshop, but is rather treated as a tool for teachers to manage their professional life, including science learning, participation in a professional community and classroom management, a situated approach to computer use answers the needs in an optimal manner. This is mainly because time and efforts are invested only until the professional goal is achieved. Thus time and efforts are controlled by a goal-oriented decision making process, and therefore lead to an optimal solution — time and efforts are not ‘wasted’. This type of control is impossible in an environment which focuses on computer training per se, independent of the underlying goal of computer applications. The time and efforts in this case are controlled by the computer application instructor who has no indication of when the specific needs of the teacher are being met. Thus for a computer environment which is aimed at supporting a goal-oriented system of needs, the integration of the computer Computer Integration Strategy 473 application within the goal-oriented environment provides an optimal solution for computer use, in terms of both time investment and effort.

A Buyers' Guide to Microcomputer-Based Laboratory Equipment in Physics Education

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A microcomputer system for controlling classical conditioning experiments

A microcomputer-based laboratory system for controlling stimulus presentations and data acquisition in classical conditioning experiments is described. The system comprises an Intel 386/486-based microcomputer and a commercially obtained low-cost counter/timer board with input/output lines for stimulus timing and external device control. A simple, yet versatile custom-designed structured programming language is provided for performing an unlimited number of stimulus configurations and their sequences. In electrophysiological studies, the system can be flexibly connected to computer-controlled signal conditioning systems for the amplification and filtering of multiunit and evoked field potential responses and to high-speed data acquisition systems for sampling and analyzing the responses. The costs of reserving an entire microcomputer for experiment control are well compensated for by the simplicity and efficiency of programming and transportability of the control protocols between different setups and laboratories. Furthermore, a data acquisition and analysis system most suitable for the aims of a research project can be selected.

A Computer-Simulation Laboratory Exercise on Water-Quality Modelling

Computer simulation of the effects of biodegradable waste on the oxygen resources of streams provides students with the opportunity to investigate the response of a natural system to external influences. Students can use the model to explore the impact of changing variables in the system and, ultimately, to judge the value of wastewater treatment. This report on a microcomputer-based geoscience or physical geography laboratory exercise provides a brief introduction to wastewater treatment, the impact of wastewater disposal on the dissolved-oxygen resources of a watercourse, and the process of reoxygenation in the watercourse. Using appropriate equations for oxygen depletion and reoxygenation, a computer simulation of stream impact and recovery processes has been developed for use in a laboratory course. With this model, students can test the effects of changing such parameters as wastewater loading, water temperature, and reaeration coefficients on the oxygen content of the modelled stream. Students are i...

References

References

Microcomputer-based laboratory apparatus for soil testing : Shen, C K; Li, X S; Chan, C K; Wang, Z Proc 12th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, 13–18 August 1989V1, P119–122. Publ Rotterdam: A A Balkema, 1989

Microcomputer-based laboratory apparatus for soil testing : Shen, C K; Li, X S; Chan, C K; Wang, Z Proc 12th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, 13–18 August 1989V1, P119–122. Publ Rotterdam: A A Balkema, 1989