This study examines the effects of the pedagogical use of context-rich problems on motivation and learning, as compared to traditional problems, in mechanical physics courses at the college level. The results indicate that the treatment has appreciable outcomes on conceptual learning gain, on the perception of task value and on a perceived sense…

A quasi-experimental group comparison experiment was conducted to improve the conceptual learning of rotational kinematics by 11th grade students of a technically-oriented high school in Argentina. The experimental instruction complemented the original Tutorials in Introductory Physics activities with the PhET simulation Ladybug Revolution.…

Hurricane and galaxy tidal effect are routine teaching topics in community college first year science courses, but there is a knowledge gap without a quantitative discussion of the physics of non-inertia frame. A survey of YouTube videos posted by Education Centers and professors showed that the hand-waving conceptual explanation is the most…

When thinking about measurement uncertainty in a laboratory experiment that features quantum mechanical effects, it is important to consider both the physical principles of underlying quantum theory (e.g., the uncertainty due to quantum mechanical superposition states) as well as the limitations of the measurement (e.g., the spread in outcomes due…

The aim of this study is to investigate the differences in kinematic parameters of freestyle swimming with respect to young swimmers before and after 3x200 metres (m) performances. Seven male swimmers (mean age: 13.86±0.90; mean height: 164.79±6.89cm; mean mass: 54±5.54kg) participated in this study as volunteers without any injury history. Before…

In the context of quantum mechanics, students are often asked to use delta functions to solve problems. Here, we investigate three typical problem-solving processes using delta functions: a delta function potential well problem, a position space delta function problem, and a momentum space delta function problem. We studied students'solutions in…

Statistical mechanics has received limited attention in physics education research and remains a relatively underrepresented topic even in research on upper-division physics courses. The purpose of this study was to explore potential challenges that physics students encounter when they solve statistical mechanics problems in groups. Adopting a…

Our multifaceted society calls for engineers that are not only experts in their domain, but possess the flexibility to understand adjacent disciplines. The inclusion of the performing arts in engineering curricula has shown potential for cultivating creativity and equipping STEM students with problem-solving abilities. However, the literature…

Building a technology-driven world appears to be the main motivational force behind students choosing to undertake engineering studies. The first year of engineering education plays a significant role in demonstrating sufficient mathematical and scientific rigor to satisfy these motivational factors. The common applied mechanics courses play a…

Argumentation is central to science learning. Students in every domain of science should have the opportunity to develop the ability to think and act in ways associated with argumentation. When engaged in argumentation, students learn how to puzzle through problems, to see multiple ways of finding solutions, to gather and evaluate evidence on…

Siphons have been used since ancient times to transport water between two points over an intervening barrier higher than the water source. This paper describes a practical application of a siphon to provide fresh water to a remote island community in the Solomon Islands. The siphon was constructed from 25 mm diameter blue line polyethylene pipe.…

Students' challenges in learning mechanics are well documented from test situations, and group discussions are considered a fruitful way to meet these challenges. In this paper, we present a study from an authentic teaching setting where upper secondary students in groups solve the task of calculating the acceleration of an elevator by means of a…

This paper presents the assessment of a continuous assessment in a project for the Dynamics subject using an analytic rubric. Dynamics subject should improve the ability of students to evaluate and solve problems using well-understood basic concepts implemented in a simple logical manner. It focuses on the proper interpretation and application of…

The attainment of program outcomes for Solid Mechanic course offered to the Diploma in Civil Engineering students is evaluated. It was found that most of the students were incapable to demonstrate graduate attributes which applying knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering fundamentals and the ability to analyse engineering…

In this study, our aim was to identify high school and university students' post-instruction conceptions about the law of conservation of mechanical energy (LCME). A cross-sectional survey design was used. Firstly, a test consisting of 14 multiple-choice questions was developed. 23 physics teachers analysed the test and concluded that our…