Understanding measurement uncertainty is crucial in experimental physics, as it enables accurate and reliable measurements, facilitates comparison between measurements, and aids in designing experiments. Consequently, measurement uncertainty has emerged as a critical learning goal for many introductory physics labs. Here, we explore the impact of…

Quantum computing is a growing field at the intersection of physics and computer science. The goal of this article is to highlight a successfully trialled quantum computing course for high school students between the ages of 15 and 18 years old. This course was designed to bridge the gap between popular science articles and advanced undergraduate…

Physics lab instruction is evolving in response to changing technology, a desire to better prepare students for diverse careers, and renewed focus from physics education researchers. To prepare researchers to evaluate progress in instructional labs in the future, this study set out to understand the current state of instructional physics labs in…

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic rise in online delivery of higher education in the United States. Recent developments in web technology and access to the internet have led to a vast increase in online courses. For people who work during the day and whose complicated lives prevent them from taking courses on campus, online courses…

Describes a freshman level physics laboratory course which includes elements of mathematical statistics. (SL)

This case study analyzes five science courses of a United States virtual charter school. Online quizzes and exams are provided by the corporate partner, while local teachers have selected report topics, virtual labs and at-home labs for students to complete. These assessments were coded for their correlation to the cognitive levels of the revised…

Experiments are designed with application to phenomena of the real world for use in a third-quarter introductory college physics course in wave motion, sound, and light. The computer is used to process and analyze experimental data and to extend experimental observations through simulation. (Author/TS)

Discusses the philosophy and organization of an introductory college physics course that emphasizes laboratory experiments. Also presents a brief outline of the laboratory work. (MLH)

Describes an introductory laboratory physics course covering dynamics, fields, and waves. The course involves six hourrs of laboratory work and six hours of self-study every two weeks. Understanding concepts rather than laboratory techniques is stressed. (MLH)

Describes a laboratory teaching technique in which a single topic (in this case, bipolar junction transistors) is studied over a period of weeks under the supervision of one staff member, who also designs the laboratory work. (MLH)

Describes material used in a first semester introductory physics laboratory for nonscience majors. The computer is used for data manipulation and in some cases, computer programs allow simulation of experiments with the possibility of altering values of parameters or experimental details. (Author/TS)