This study investigated the effect of using a comic-based learning module in Physics as a learning tool on students' conceptual understanding and motivation. A mixed method approach using a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design was used in this study. An adapted 50-multiple choice test items and the physics version of the "Science…

Students with disabilities comprise a large and growing fraction of college students; however, many instructors lack the training and knowledge to support them. In this paper, we discuss the impact of professional development about executive function disorders and Universal Design for Learning for an introductory physics instructor (second author)…

We used a sequential synthesis problem to investigate novice teachers' conceptual difficulties in hydrodynamics. Twenty-one new secondary level physics teachers from various regions of China, who had been in service for no more than 2 years, participated in the study. Each participant completed a written hydrodynamics problem consisting of four…

Virtual experiments are beneficial and effective learning activities providing the opportunity to investigate the relationship between the experimental findings and the theories. There exist several advantages of using virtual experiments, including, among other things: 7/24 availability, opportunity of unlimited iterations, and working with an…

Background: Understanding students' preconceptions is an important initial step towards a successful and meaningful learning in physics. This is more relevant and important especially for concepts that are introduced formally as early as preschool including friction. Visual representation maybe often used as an aid to teaching, however,…

In this study, the kinetic friction coefficient for a block moving on an inclined plane was determined with the help of three different methods (a smartphone application, "Phyphox," a video analysis program, "Tracker" and a simulation program, "Algodoo") which can be performed easily using simple materials by the…

No consensus has been reached so far concerning the key topics on quantum physics suitable for secondary school teaching, despite comprehensive research. We identified the the variety of associations with quantum physics among professionals as a potential cause. From an explorative mind map study with N = 29 physics researchers, we derive six…

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, academic institutions across the globe have been forced to move to online learning environments. It has been particularly challenging for the experimental sciences to develop and deliver authentic lab-based experiences. Some of the strategies that have been adopted for first-year physics labs include: providing a…

This paper demonstrates the use of a smartphone as a low-cost multi-channel optical fibre spectrophotometer suitable for physics laboratory classes. A custom-designed cradle and structure support were fabricated using 3D printing. The plastic optical fibres were arranged and inserted into the hole of the cradle to guide the light to the rear…

We present a sequence of two physics experiments, designed for use with secondary students, which investigate the specific heat of sand, both qualitatively and quantitatively, without a calorimeter. We use two LM35 temperature sensors and an Arduino prototype board for data acquisition. The results are good and allow teachers to discuss the…

In the study, it was aimed to determine the misconceptions of 8th grade students about the concepts of "solid, fluid and gas pressure", to correct these misconceptions by using STEM supported Science activities, and to improve their attitudes towards Science and STEM. The study group consisted of 46 8th grade students at a public school…

During the periods of sudden transition to online education, the opportunity to make applications that might attract students' attention to the course has decreased even more. Although this deficiency tried to be eliminated with videos and simulations, it was not possible to ensure the active participation of students in some cases. In this study,…

Teaching materials used in distance education are generally obtained from the internet as ready-made by teachers. Materials such as simulation, animation and presentation are usually limited to the frame drawn by the creator and do not allow changes outside this limit. In addition, many of these types of materials do not have a feedback mechanism.…

This paper presents preparations, execution and reflection on results for the physics part of a CSI task for the European Union Science Olympiad 2010, taking place at the University of Gothenburg. The participants were required to make a graph of the cooling of a swede ("Brassica napus"), as a proxy for the cooling of a murder victim,…

Worldwide, there are millions of children and youth living on the streets. While this is accepted as a sad reality when it comes to developing countries, many people are unaware that street youth also exist in Western countries, such as Germany. In both developing and developed countries young people on the streets face a plethora of challenges…