9451071 Sherwin The Physics Learning Center (PLC) at the University of California, Santa Barbara is a facility in the physics building that functions as an interactive science museum. We propose to equip the PLC as a site for holding microcomputer-based laboratory sessions, or "discovery sessions," for the introductory physics course for non-science majors. This course, which has heretofore had no laboratory component, will be restructured to emphasize the applications and utility of physics. The "discovery sessions" are intended both to increase the general scientific literacy of non-science majors and to give them an understanding of the scientific process. Students in the "discovery sessions" will collect and analyze time-series data using the Universal Lab Interface (ULI), and video data using camcorders and the VideoLab software for digitized video. New, fast microcomputers will be acquired for this purpose. Multiple setups of several selected apparati will be obtained for use in the "discovery sessions," as will single copies of certain apparati, such as a fast oscilloscope, which are suitable for a variety of different uses. The apparatus and microcomputers added to the PLC under this proposal will also be used by students in other lower- and upper-division physics courses for individual exploration and for carrying out computer-based homework assignments. In addition, the microcomputers will be used by astronomy students for exercises in astronomical image processing. All apparatus will be available to local K-12 educators through outreach programs. The UCSB College of Letters and Science has made a commitment to provide funds to match the NSF contribution to this proposal. The Department of Physics has pledged release time from teaching for Dr. Sherwin for the 1994 Fall quarter, and will provide a teaching assistant to help in the development of materials.
