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Abstract Title: Comparing Student Understanding of Units and Dimensional Analysis Between Universities
Abstract: The ability to work with units and carry out dimensional analysis is a fundamental skill across STEM disciplines. However, in previous studies with students enrolled in a calculus-based physics course at a large research university, we found and categorized a number of difficulties with basic dimensional analysis concepts. The purpose of the current research is to extend these findings to a new population of students: those at a small liberal arts university. Students in this study were enrolled in the first semester of either an algebra-based or calculus-based course at a small liberal arts college. During the first class session of the semester, students took a 20-minute written survey on dimensional analysis in a test-like setting.  Student responses to this survey will be discussed and categorized, and the results will be compared to our original study with students at a large research university.
Abstract Type: Contributed Poster Presentation
Session Time: Poster Session II
Poster Number: B6

Author/Organizer Information

Primary Contact: Abigail M. Bogdan
Seton Hill University
1 Seton Hill Dr.
Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: 4025990199

Contributed Poster

Contributed Poster: Download the Contributed Poster