Physics Commons^™

Toward A Conceptual Approach To The Coriolis Force: Cataloging Intuitive Knowledge Elements In Intermediate Physics Learners, Jared B. Arnell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In Physics, the topic of the Coriolis force is often confusing and difficult to teach. I conducted a series of interviews with undergraduate physics students to understand how they would use their prior knowledge and personal experiences to interact with and navigate through a new conceptual teaching approach for the Coriolis force. Many students applied their intuitive understanding of balance to interpret and make predictions about the Coriolis force. Some students displayed a strong conviction that rotating objects will naturally get pulled outward, which suggests that this impression may be a useful tool for novice physics learners to use in …