Physics 4460/ 5460: Projects

Phys/Educ 4460/5460: Final Project Topics from Prior Class

• Problem solving and a rubric for problem solving. Preliminary work includes creation of a problem solving instrument and analyzing a broad cross-section of problem solvers
• Analysis of the effects affective qualities of a TA on student performance in the Tutorials: answer – none.
• A study of substituting simulation (CCK) for real equip (batteries and bulbs) on student performance on conceptual survey: answer: statistically sig. Improvement in aggregate
• The effects of tracking on “regular” and “AP” students --- analysis of the conditions in tow high school classrooms. Findings: it is possible to see some of the differences in “ability” as constructed.
• Examination of the 2010 labs / recitations. Reflective comparisons of problem solving in the US and in China. Suggestions about strengths and weaknesses of 2010 approach.
• Examination of expectations and beliefs of students in 2010. Observation of splits between expert and novice beliefs, perception of the expert beliefs and their own. Implications for whether or not students know the party line when it comes to expert beliefs.
• Research study of effective k12 afterschool programs in science (as outreach from the university). Some basic models for success in these ventures.
• Study of college student use of textbooks. Interesting findings include that some of the strongest students never use text books. Also, that students in general seem to know what to do that is good for them when it comes to textbook use (and there is no single “right” way).
• Examination of a model for creating validated exams using a genetic algorithm. Examination of the shortcomings of such an approach and possible alternatives when considering issues of inclusion of women in physics.
• Study of student motivation and goals for being at the university and being in Phys 1140 (frosh lab). Correlations between student performance in the course and the types of stated goals. Part I of a 2 part study which will include a theoretical, and historical frame.
• Comparative examination of student, TA and faculty experiences / expectations in 2010. Implications for improving the lab and recitation sections of the course.
• Analysis of Tutorials in Introductory Physics. New Model Tutorial on magnetism created.
• Process and goals for restructuring the Mars Quest show at the Fiske planetarium. Examination of the current structure of the program, its limitations and prospective steps for the future (First third of a year long project).
• Observations and analysis of a high school physics course and student difficulties with mathematics, graphical representations and the coordination of these two skill sets. Implications for explicit metacognitive and epistemological framing in the class.
• Analysis of the stated and realized goals of the Tutorials in Phys 1120. Suggested changes based on discrepancies between these differing goal sets.