PERC 2013 Abstract Detail Page
Previous Page | New Search | Browse All
| Abstract Title: | Student use of a material anchor for quantum wave functions |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | We closely analyze the actions of one undergraduate quantum mechanics student in an oral exam situation with two related problems. Both problems involved the visualization of a 3-d structure to represent the real and imaginary parts of the wave function on one spatial coordinate. Instruction before the exam included several in-class activities involving building 3-d representations of wave functions for several potentials using pipe cleaners. Though the oral exam did not specify that students should or should not use pipe cleaners, the student in this analysis brought and used them during the exam. We analyze the student's interaction with the pipe cleaners and varying degree of success from the point of view of material anchors for conceptual blends, including how the varying success may be accounted for in terms of the pipe cleaner's variable functionality. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Catherine C. Schiber Texas State University-San Marcos 601 University Dr. San Marcos, TX 78666 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Hunter Close, Texas State University-San Marcos Eleanor Close, Texas State University-San Marcos David Donnelly Texas State University-San Marcos |
