Physics Commons^™

How We Think About And Prepare To Teach Physics, Dewey I. Dykstra

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

We have been preparing physics teachers in the same manner for many decades. Yet, physics education research reveals for some observers disturbing evidence of little or no change in understanding the phenomena occurs as a direct result of physics instruction from elementary school through the college years. The apparent compatibility between these learning results and prevailing paradigm enables the construction of a description the paradigm. If it can be demonstrated that there is even just one alternative paradigm from which powerful alternative pedagogical practice is derived, are we not obligated to change how we prepare to teach physics?

Student Explorations Of Quantum Effects In Leds And Luninescent Devices, Lawrence Escalada, N. Sanjay Rebekki, Dean A. Zollman

Faculty Publications

We developed activity-based instructional units to introduce basic quantum principles to students with limited physics and mathematics backgrounds. To emphasize the practical applications of contemporary physics, we introduced concepts using the contexts of light-emitting devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent lamps, and glow-in-the-dark toys. As our standard of living becomes more dependent on the latest developments in science and technology, our students' literacy must be at a level that enables them to make educated decisions on science- and technology-related issues and their everyday applications. Students need to have at least a basic understanding of 20th-century physics and its applications …

Weather And Climate, Rob Snyder

Science and Engineering Saturday Seminars

No abstract provided.

Physics First, Marcelo Alonso

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Faculty Publications

It is true that now most biology courses begin with the DNA molecule, and many chemistry courses introduce the notion of electronic orbitals in atoms and molecules, topics for which students are not well prepared, since most of them have not taken physics courses. Physics courses in turn relegate to the end some discussion of the structure of matter and electromagnetic interaction, or do not discuss that at all. Thus, students miss the overall picture.

Toy Models For The Falling Chimney, Gabriele U. Varieschi, Kaoru Kamiya

Physics Faculty Works

In this paper we review the theory of the ‘‘falling chimney,’’ which deals with the breaking in mid-air of tall structures when they fall to the ground. We show that these ruptures can be caused by either shear forces typically developing near the base, or by the bending of the structure which is caused primarily by the internal bending moment. In the latter case the breaking is more likely to occur between one-third and one-half of the height of the chimney. Small scale toy models are used to reproduce the dynamics of the falling chimney. By examining photos taken during …

How Big Is Our Sun?, Mark Moldwin

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Faculty Publications

Putting large numbers into human perspective by using ratios of a known quantity to an unknown quantity is an important scientific skill. An astronomy activity that encourages the use of estimation and helps students get a handle on large numbers is the making of a scale model of Earth and Sun that is relative in both size and distance.

A Longitudinal Study Of Engineering Student Performance And Retention. V. Comparisons With Traditionally-Taught Students, Richard M. Felder, Gary Felder, E. Jacquelin Dietz

Physics: Faculty Publications

In a longitudinal study at North Carolina State University, a cohort of students took five chemical engineering courses taught by the same instructor in five consecutive semesters. The courses made extensive use of active and cooperative learning and a variety of other techniques designed to address a broad spectrum of learning styles. Previous reports on the study summarized the instructional methods used in the experimental course sequence, described the performance of the cohort in the introductory chemical engineering course, and examined performance and attitude differences between students from rural and urban backgrounds and between male and female students.1–4 This paper …

Teaching College Physics To A Blind Student, Michelle Parry, Mark Brazier, Ephraim Fischbach

Chemistry & Physics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Metastable States In Classical And Quantum Systems, Mark Makela, Samantha Parmley, Roger Yu

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

The classical vibrational metastable states in a one-dimensional two-mass system are investigated experimentally and theoretically via the transmission of a coherent wave packet propagating through the system. The Fourier transform of the vibrational signal recorded in between the masses reveals resonant excitations by the coherent wave packet. The time-resolved spectrum indicates that the lifetime of a metastable state of higher frequency is longer than that of lower frequency, which is in contrast with the quantum mechanical double-barrier system. This study, which is easily accessible to physics majors, also demonstrates quantum resonant tunneling in a very simple classical way.

Reconnecting The Sciences, John Eggebrecht, Raymond Dagenais, Don Dosch, Norman J. Merczak, Margaret N. Park, Susan C. Styer, David Workman

Faculty Publications & Research

During the last three years at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, we have been working on a partial reconstruction of Whitehead's "one subject matter," a course reconnecting biology, chemistry, earth and space sciences, and physics into an Integrated Science program.

The Physics Of Motocross, Jeffrey R. Giles, Charles D. Ross

Chemistry & Physics Faculty Publications

The article describes how the laws of physics allow the motocross rider to control the flight of a motorcycle.

Demonstrating Hysteresis In Ferroelectric Materials, Deborah Schurr, Timothy Usher

Physics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Fermi Problems: Educated Guesses, John A. Adam

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Calculus-Based Physics Exploratory Study: Summary Report, Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy

Documents

During the 1992-1993 academic year a number of elements (national level surveys and research reports, IMSA’s professional development focus; a climate of reflective inquiry) focused attention on the participation and achievement of females in mathematics and science at a national level and, specifically, the participation and achievement of females in mathematics and science at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. These elements served as the catalyst for the calculus-based physics exploratory study.

Proposal For A Dod Combined Battlefield Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) Initiative, George H. Baker Iii

Department of Integrated Science and Technology - Faculty Scholarship

The presentation emphasizes the growing importance of electromagnetic survivability and compatibility. Operation Desert Storm demonstrated the clear military advantage provided by sophisticated electronic weapon and communication systems. In addition, the offensive tactic of taking out the enemy's eyes and ears during the air war paid off, giving our military decisive air superiority. The lessons for the future are clear. High-tech electronics now so dominates the battlefield that the outcome of future conflicts could well be decided by electronics attrition rather than human casualties. Our Desert Storm experience thus accentuates the importance of guaranteeing that our electronic systems will not be …

Science On The Great Plains: The History Of Physics And Astronomy At The University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, M. Eugene Rudd

M. Eugene Rudd Publications

The year 1988 marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Physics at the University of Nebraska. While the year passed without fanfare in the department, DuaneJaecks, one of the members of the faculty, suggested to the author that it would be a good time to write a history of what is now the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He not only provided the initial impetus for the project, but has also given it his continual help and encouragement. While the initial plan was to write only a brief, informal departmental history, the project, like Topsy, grew. …

News Release, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

Documents

Dr. Leon M. Lederman, Director of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, Illinois, has been named one of three recipients of the 1988 Nobel Prize for physics. Sharing the prize with Dr. Lederman are Dr. Melvin Schwartz and Dr. Jack Steinberger. The three have been cited for their discovery, in 1962, of a second neutrino, an elementary subatomic particle. Fermilab is operated by the Universities Research Association, Inc., under contract with the United States Department of Energy (DOE).

Physical Science Workshop Course For Elementary Teachers, Glen T. Clayton, Harry D. Downing, Thomas O. Callaway

Faculty Publications

Science for elementary school grades K-6 varies somewhat in content from one textbook series to another, but it is fairly common that 40-60% of the material covered is directly related to physics. These texts suggest that certain learning activities such as experiments, demonstrations, and observations be carried out by the teacher and the class. Often the apparatus for a learning activity is to be constructed from simple, readily available materials. The typical elementary school teacher has had little experience in performing experiments and is often frustrated in his/her attempts at carrying out the suggested learning activity. To meet this need …

An Experiment In Discovery, Daniel J. Steck

Physics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Stephen F. Austin Traveling Science Show, James C. Dennis

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Science Foundations: A Science Program For The Non-Science Student. Technical Report No. 4., James Shymansky

Educator Preparation & Leadership Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Ua77/1 Western Alumnus, Vol. 43, No. 2, Wku Alumni Association

WKU Archives Records

WKU alumni magazine. Features the following articles:

• Armstrong, Don. Engineering Technology Accredited
• Martin, Vernon & Don Armstrong. Public Affairs Aids Counties
• Distinguished Alumnus Julian Goodman
• Gray, David. WKU Physicist Invents Ultraviolet Dosimeter - William Buckman
• Richards, Jim. Why Recruit the Junior Colleges?
• Pageantry, Nostalgia & Victory - Homecoming
• Just, Paul. The Red and Gray Orchestra
• Ivan Wilson Center for Fine Arts, Dedication
• Hood, Gordon. The Ivan Wilson Center
• Downing, Dero. A Dedication Response
• Downing, Dero. Awareness & Willingness
• Dickey, Debbie. A Renewal of the Spirit
• Sutherland, David. Appalachia, A Stronghold of Early American Folk Culture
• Cann, Kenneth. If It's Guatemala …

Ua77/1 Alumni Bulletin, Vol. 32, No. 2, Wku Alumni Association

WKU Archives Records

Alumni newsletter published by WKU. This issue has the following articles:

• President Kelly Thompson Announces Master Plan
• Western to Offer Graduate Degree Program in Engineering Physics
• Summer Session Slated to Open on June 14
• Robertson, Lee. From the Alumni Office
• Class of 1915
• Class of 1925
• Class of 1940
• Class of 1955
• Class of 1964
• Sports in Brief
• William Solly Becomes New Physical Education Head
• Graduate Assistantships Now Available
• James McKee Joins Education Department
• On the Calendar
• Commencement Day Activities

Ua3/3/1 Proposed National Science Foundation Summer Institute, Ward Sumpter, Wku President's Office

WKU Archives Records

Proposal for National Science Foundation summer institute to be held at WKU during the summer of 1959.

The Value Of High School Physics To The College Student, Emery White

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Secondary school science consists of biology, chemistry, physics, or a combination course known as general science. General science deals only with the practical side of the laws of physics. It fails to go into detail and very often omits the law entirely. Physics in high school requires a special room in the building which is not easily adapted to other use. A large amount of expensive equipment is need to teach it efficiently. Can all of this expense be justified? Is the student who ends his school career with high school graduation sent out into life with a large amount …