We are changing the Introductory Physics Laboratory from "standard fare" to a tutorial course with new experiments that emphasize the physics concepts and principles of, and are given in synchronism with the concurrent lecture course. In the past, the first phase of our change covered mechanics. New apparatus was developed at Northeastern which is now used at many colleges and universities, and available commercially. We are now in the second phase, the electromagnetic cycle of experiments. Lack of suitable, commercially available apparatus is a known serious problem in this part of the curriculum. This is especially true for such important concepts as Ampere's and Faraday's laws. New robust yet transparent experiments are in various stages of design, prototyping, or student testing. Support from the NSF is being used to incorporate them fully into our curriculum and make them available to the physics community. In addition, some equipment support is being used to fully satisfy the tutorial character of the new courses.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9350964
Program Officer
Duncan E. McBride
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1993-04-15
Budget End
1996-09-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
$26,240
Indirect Cost
Name
Northeastern University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115