The Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences of West Texas State University is investigating the extent to which classroom instruction can be effectively carried out in a laboratory setting using computer-assisted data acquisition and analysis. During selected lectures, students are using personal computers, interface equipment, electronic sensors, and laboratory equipment to observe first-hand the physical systems being discussed and to demonstrate for themselves the interdependence of those systems' variables. Initially, this portion of the project is studying the areas of motion, forces, fields, and thermodynamics.Equipment purchased for this project is also being used in regular physical science and physics laboratories and for student tutorials and interactive simulations. Routine use of the computer lab is particularly important in acquainting prospective science educators with emerging educational technology. The project is generating three comprehensive lab manuals--one for non-calculus physics that includes traditional experiments with modern technological ones, a second version that is adapted for introductory physical science, and a third for public school application.Specific equipment being purchased with the funds include Gateway 3865X personal computers with disk drive and system software, SuperCHAMP universal interfaces, data acquisition and analysis software and sensors, color monitors, Toshiba 24-pin printers, Cenco air tracks, and a Hewlett Packard 6-pin plotter.NSF grant funds are being matched with funds from non-federal sources.
