An Introductory Physics Laboratory Course at Rutgers-Newark is being developed using micro computer based instrumentation to improve the understanding and appreciation of the laws of physics and of the instrumentation and methods of modern physics and technology. The makeup of the Rutgers-Newark student body and the geography and demographics of the Newark area, coupled with significant outreach efforts, ensures a large minority student participation in this project. Teaching and teaming strategies geared to the needs of this diverse urban student population are being developed. Said strategies utilize non-intimidating but rigorous discovery based experiments and provide a meaningful and accurate introduction to the excitement and creativity of scientific discovery and analysis. The course uses modern sensors for motion, force, temperature, sound and electromagnetic field measurements. The sensors are being interfaced to Macintosh microcomputers allowing the students to analyze their measurements rapidly and to explore alternative physical hypotheses. The project attract more students into physics and engineering, and produces better educated students with critical analytical skills in all majors. The program is being adapted, for and shared with high school teachers and their students as well as two-year college faculty and students.
