Students in physics and environmental technology courses previously gained little understanding of basic physical concepts from lectures. Furthermore, the artificial separation of lecture and laboratory in these courses has prevented the laboratory from rectifying the conceptual shortcomings of lecture. The department has purchased a single computer and instrumental interfacing equipment and has begun to redesign the physics courses by melding lecture and laboratory into an activity-based instructional approach. Equipment is being purchased to enable the department to set up a number of computerized student learning stations. Specifically, it is setting up six learning stations that can be used to teach a two-semester, calculus-based physics course and a one-semester, technical physics course during the first year of the project. In the second year, three more stations can be added and activity-based instruction can be introduced into two environmental technology courses Principles of Environmental Engineering and Advanced Water and Wastewater Operations. *

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9751018
Program Officer
Jane Prey
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1997-07-01
Budget End
2000-06-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
$17,473
Indirect Cost
Name
Paul Smith's College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Paul Smith's
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
12970