A Laboratory Based Physical Science Course

James F. Sullivan, Department of Physics, University of Cincinnati.Amber Pleiman, Department of

Chemistry, University of Cincinnati

15 TCSI 607

Modeling and Applications in Physical Sciences and Teaching Lab

4 credit hours

Target Audience(s): present and future teachers in middle schools through high

schools

Weekly Schedule

Mondays: 1:00 – 3:00 PM (2 h)Tuesdays: 1:00 – 3:00 PM (2 h)Wednesdays: 1:00 – 3:00 PM (2 h)Thursdays: 1:00 – 5:00 PM (4 h)Fridays: 1:00 – 3:00 PM (2h)

10 h per week

Planned Time Frame

First Session: Monday July 2, 2012Holiday: Wednesday July 4, 2012

Last Session: Friday August 3, 201224 meetings, 58 contact hours

Participants Are From Two Programs

Cincinnati Engineering Enhanced Math and Science Program (CEEMS)

Woodrow Wilson Scholars Program (WW)

Four Rooms Were ReservedClass Room: Room 309 Braunstein Hall Computer Room: Room 303 Geology-Physics Building Chemistry Laboratory: Room 522 Rieveschl HallPhysics Laboratory: Room 340 Braunstein Hall

(Abbreviated) Planned ScheduleAll topics had a relationship with Energy

•Most accurate and precise equipment (Densities), 4 h•Straight-line kinematics, mechanical energies ,10 h•Calorimetry, Enthalpy, 8 h•Absolute zero, 2h•Basic Electrical Energy, 6 h•Solar Cells, 4 h•Fuel Cells, 4 h•Wind Turbines, 4 h•Color & Spectroscopy, 6 h•Student Presentations , 6 h•Exams, 4 h

During the course each student received

•Flash drive•Scientific calculator•Digital Multi Meter•Safety Goggles•Notebook•Small solar cell kit•Hand-held Spectroscope

Instructional Format

Traditional lectures were necessary in some basic topics (e.g., kinematics,

mechanical energy, etc.).As the course progressed student teams were formed to investigate

specific topics (e.g., solar cells, wind turbines, fuel cells, etc.).

Instructional dutiesThe topics were basically split

between the Chemistry and the Physics professors. Each professor attempted to attend all sessions of

the course (the only exceptions were for medical commitments). Each

professor was responsible for preparing and grading all materials in

his/her field.

Presentations

Each student submitted an abstract early in the course. After some revisions the abstracts were compiled into a single booklet and each student gave a presentation at the end of the course. The presentation was open to members of the university community.

ExaminationsTwo examinations were given – one in the middle of the course and the other at the end. Each exam dealt with the materials covered in that section of the course and each was

half chemistry and half physics. Each professor graded the material on

each exam from his/her field.

Submitted Materials•Written reports (as requested)•Electronic files were periodically submitted. These consisted of written discussions as well as spreadsheets containing data and analysis for laboratory work.•Homework assignments

Grading

•First examination 25% *•Second examination 25% *•Presentation 25%•All other materials 25%

* These were altered to the following: Lower exam score 20%, Higher exam score 30%.

Visits to Physics Research Laboratories

Three such visits occurred during the course. Each was approximately 30

minutes long and included a discussion by the Research Professor

and observations of the project.•Low Temperatures.•Nanostructured Materials.•Optical Properties of Semiconductors.

Problems

• This course was quite intense (12 h /week) and students were taking several such courses simultaneously. Since there are only 168 h in a week, significant amounts of homework was not an option.

• The programs did not adequately inform the Faculty of special events in the programs that caused class cancellations. This caused a shortening of two final projects.

Student Response

The results of the student evaluation forms have not yet been returned to us.•In general we have much positive responses from students: some students are currently using the materials and ideas in their classes. Many told us the course was extremely helpful.•The negative responses seemed to center about the amount of work required by the entire programs.

Grant InformationThe Cincinnati Engineering Enhanced math and Science program (CEEMS) is sponsored by the National Science Foundation grant # 1102990.

The Woodrow Wilson Program is sponsored by WW-COF grant number 10084020.

Thank You

Questions?