Contribution: This study identifies the types of interaction that contribute to student learning with student-led tutorials (SLTs). The quality of these interactions include peer discussion, student tutor presentation, joint reasoning, and constructive feedback. Background: The introduction of SLTs in an advanced electromagnetics bachelor course…

The purpose of this paper is to describe a three-year limited-run offer of an energy science certificate in the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus, along with lessons learned that can be of use to other institutions considering comparable programs. Energy science is a loosely defined discipline that traditionally straddles physics and mechanical,…

Engaging students in designing, testing, and revising engineering models using mathematical representation of data from scientific investigations helps them embody the science and engineering practices highlighted in the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States, 2013). The practices of modeling, conducting failure analysis,…

Create a light and sound show to entertain friends. Design an improved safety device for a car. Develop a 2-3 minute voice-over for a sports clip explaining the physics involved in the sport. Modify the design of a roller coaster to meet the needs of a specific group of riders. Design an appliance package for a family limited by the power and…

Physics has been an important part of the science curriculum in high schools. Without the appropriate high school physics background, it is difficult for a student subsequently to pursue an electronics engineering program at the university level since a good understanding of many concepts in physics is required to comprehend the material covered…

We present the results of a study carried out with students in their second year of Industrial Engineering to find out students' levels of satisfaction concerning the use of simulation tools (in this case an applet was used) as a tool for helping students learn the topic of movement by charged particles within electrical and magnetic fields. The…

In the late 1990s, the physics department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) had a problem. The department was responsible for teaching the two required physics courses that are part of the General Institute Requirements (GIRs), MIT's core curriculum--Physics I (mechanics, or in MIT parlance, 8.01) and Physics II (electricity and…

Describes a new curriculum for the final two years of a B.S. program in physics. Defines junior progress from a descriptive, lower-division understanding to an advanced analysis of a topic by phenomenon rather than discipline. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/YDS)

Discusses the role and importance of physics in the engineering curriculum, considering the need for physics knowledge in technology transfer and in preventing architectural disasters. Also discusses preuniversity physics preparation in Saudi Arabia and an optimum engineering physics curriculum, outlining a proposed four-semester physics course.…

Results from a survey of physics and engineering departments in 132 engineering colleges in the United States and Canada are discussed. Information considered includes course requirements and content, effectiveness of physics courses and laboratories, unnecessary duplication in engineering curriculum, communication problems between physics and…

Explores the issue of physics laboratory work for engineering students and discusses the design, implementation, and evaluation of a laboratory program developed for first year engineering students. (DDR)

Draws comparisons between the development of physics courses and the approach required to solve an engineering problem. Some major strands in the development of A-level physics and related subjects are discussed to illustrate/illuminate compromises necessary to resolve tensions that exist (such as between pure/applied approaches to physics…

Suggesting that physics need not be entirely mathematically oriented, offers examples and personal anecdotes illustrating how the applications of physics in other disciplines can be used to supplement traditional lectures and the physics of everyday phenomena. (JN)

Examines reasons for including microprocessors in school curricula. Indicates that practical work with microprocessors is not easy and discusses problems associated with using and constructing these control and processing devices of microcomputers. (SK)

This study resulted from an on-going evaluation of the 2-year engineering related technology curricula at Illinois Central College. The purpose of the research was to determine the appropriate course content for technical physics and mathematics, the level of theory to be taught, instructor qualifications, and the appropriate department for…