PERC 2013 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Students' use of modeling in the upper-division physics laboratory |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Modeling, the practice of developing, testing, and refining models of physical systems, has gained support as a key scientific practice in the K-12 Next Generation Science Standards, and in curricula such as Modeling Instruction, RealTime Physics, ISLE, and Matter & Interaction. However, modeling has gained less traction at the upper-division undergraduate level. As part of a larger effort to transform upper-division physics labs to incorporate scientific practices, including modeling, we conducted a series of think-aloud experimental activities using simple electronic and optical components in order to investigate how students use modeling with minimal explicit prompting in a laboratory setting. We review general patterns in students' use of models, describe our coding scheme, and conclude with a discussion of implications for the design of modeling-focused lab activities and lab-appropriate assessments. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Benjamin Zwickl Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder 390 UCB Boulder, CO 80309 Phone: (203) 815-0185 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Noah Finkelstein Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder H. J. Lewandowksi Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder |
