This project is transforming the introductory mechanics laboratory so that freshmen students gain experience with realistic electronic instrumentation while learning the fundamentals of mechanics. The project is part of an extensive curriculum development accompanying a change from a quarter calendar to a semester one. New experiments are adding dynamic force transducers, sonar rangers, digital readout strobe lighting, oscilloscopes, and digital readout function generators to the air tracks, light gates, air-bearing rotational apparatus, and PC computers previously used. The new experiments include non-linear systems, small oscillations, static and dynamic unbalance in rotating objects, and rotation of rigid bodies about a point. Such new topics as soft modes, spontaneous symmetry breaking, and chaos are being included. Folded in are an introduction to electronic instrumentation including use of oscilloscopes, and study of wave forms, triggering, signal conditioning, and the integration of computers into the measurement system. The new lab presents a richer variety of important mechanical phenomena, is more interesting, and better prepares the students for employment in a modern industrial or research setting.NSF grant funds are being matched with funds from non-federal sources.
