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Physics

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Full-Text Articles in Science and Mathematics Education

Course Portfolio: Elements Of Physics Phys 151, Evan A. Rich Jun 2026

Course Portfolio: Elements Of Physics Phys 151, Evan A. Rich

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This course portfolio documents the instructional design, teaching methods, and ongoing assessment efforts for PHYS 151: Elements of Physics, an algebra-based introductory physics course at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The course serves a broad undergraduate population, including architecture, construction management, and life science majors. The portfolio describes the teaching framework that integrates pre-lecture video preparation, active in-class engagement through iClicker questions, and collaborative weekly recitation sections, all unified around a structured six-step problem-solving approach. A central concern of the course is building students’ self-efficacy in physics, particularly among those with math anxiety or limited preparation. Two assessments are reported: a …


From Process Retrieval To Understanding: A Look Into Curiosity And Metacognition In My Physics Classrooms, Nahuel Acosta Burroso May 2026

From Process Retrieval To Understanding: A Look Into Curiosity And Metacognition In My Physics Classrooms, Nahuel Acosta Burroso

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

In the modern high school physics classroom, the rapid proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has created a unique educational challenge. While these tools can solve complex problems quickly, they often lead to cognitive offloading, where students bypass the internal dialogue and deep thinking needed for true understanding. This project follows an action research journey that shifts the focus from restricting technology to cultivating curiosity and metacognition. I define curiosity as the gap identifier that appears when a student realizes they do not know something, while metacognition acts as the navigator that helps them decide what to do next. By …


An Integrative Approach To Einstein’S Field Equations Of General Relativity For High School Students, Christina M. Aintablian May 2025

An Integrative Approach To Einstein’S Field Equations Of General Relativity For High School Students, Christina M. Aintablian

Senior Honors Theses

Einstein’s Field Equations form the foundation of the theory of General Relativity, describing the interdependence of mass-energy and spacetime curvature, where curvature gives rise to gravity. However, the complexity of these equations makes them difficult for high school students to grasp. The mathematical framework of General Relativity is introduced step by step, beginning with relative motion and culminating in a discussion of complex phenomena that challenge modern physics. Each explanation intertwines core concepts of relativity with pre-established mental models to enhance learning. Through the use of figures, analogies, narratives, and thought experiments, a structured framework is developed to make relativity …


Student Performance In Modern Physics In An Active, Partially-Flipped Classroom, Scott Yarbrough Jan 2024

Student Performance In Modern Physics In An Active, Partially-Flipped Classroom, Scott Yarbrough

Physics Dissertations - Archive

The effectiveness of the flipped classroom and hybrid-flipped (partially flipped, partially lecture-based) method of instruction has been extensively studied for high school and introductory undergraduate physics courses, and it has been shown to increase student understanding and performance. However, few studies have been done for upper-level undergraduate courses, and even fewer have been done for virtual courses. In Spring 2021 and Fall 2023, a fully virtual, hybrid-flipped Modern Physics course was taught, primarily to a class of primarily juniors and seniors, with some sophomores. All were STEM majors. The same course, with a similar enrolment and demographic of students, was …


An Exploration Of Misconceptions In Introductory Physics, Christopher Mattthew Wheatley Jan 2024

An Exploration Of Misconceptions In Introductory Physics, Christopher Mattthew Wheatley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study of student misconceptions about physics concepts has long been an important area of inquiry in physics education research (PER). The research discussed in this dissertation builds upon the developments in PER by exploring the prevalence of consistently held undergraduate student misconceptions in introductory calculus-based physics. This thesis explores the nature of student misconceptions, mistakes, and naive answering patterns in both introductory undergraduate Newtonian mechanics and electromagnetism by applying a network analytic technique called module analysis to student responses to different concept inventories from institutions of various levels of incoming physics preparation. Each study applying these methods also demonstrates …


In Pursuit Of Failure: A Project-Based Learning Approach To Introducing Generative Failure Into High School Physics, Bradford O'Brien May 2023

In Pursuit Of Failure: A Project-Based Learning Approach To Introducing Generative Failure Into High School Physics, Bradford O'Brien

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

It is important that students encounter and learn how to respond to failure in their high school experience. In traditional education systems, failure (for students and teachers) is often penalized in a way that stigmatizes failure and disincentivizes intellectual risk-taking. In my experience, as a high school physics teacher, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of the stigmatization of failure in the science classroom. Educators in the science classroom can use projects, lessons, and reimagined grading systems to cultivate a different mindset around failure for their students. As a conceptual physics teacher, I believe that my classroom should be a …


Empowering Latinos To Pursue A Degree In Astronomy/Physics, Ivon Tapia May 2023

Empowering Latinos To Pursue A Degree In Astronomy/Physics, Ivon Tapia

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Empowering Latino students to pursue careers in astronomy/physics is possible if we find the correct way to help them. Astronomy can help our planet, and physics teaches us how to appreciate our earth and everything around us. Currently, Latinos are underrepresented in these careers. This senior capstone examines the different ways that schools could empower Latino students to pursue careers in astronomy/physics. Through the use of literature review, interviews with two teachers and one astronomer, and an anonymous survey of students, the result findings indicate that introducing careers in astronomy/physics to Latino students at a young age could spark their …


Going All-In With Vector Representations Of Electric And Magnetic Fields In Introductory Calculus-Based Physics, Craig Looney Apr 2023

Going All-In With Vector Representations Of Electric And Magnetic Fields In Introductory Calculus-Based Physics, Craig Looney

Physics Faculty Publications

While most introductory calculus-based textbooks introduce a fully-vectorized expression for the electric field due to a point charge, they rarely – if ever – introduce a fully-vectorized expression for the magnetic field due to an infinitely long current, and corresponding field superposition problems are normally solved by the method of components (find magnitudes, break magnitudes into components, sum the respective components). In this poster I will explain why I teach a fully-vectorized approach – starting with the fully-vectorized field expressions and summing the fields vector-algebraically – alongside the more traditional method of components in my introductory calculus-based physics course, and …


Sleigh Race Project, Admin Stem For Success Apr 2023

Sleigh Race Project, Admin Stem For Success

STEM for Success Showcase

Students use their knowledge of physics and design to build both a sleigh and a slope for the sleigh to travel on.


Magnetic Slime, Admin Stem For Success Apr 2023

Magnetic Slime, Admin Stem For Success

STEM for Success Showcase

Students learn chemistry and physics by making magnetic slime.


Magnetism Activity, Admin Stem For Success Apr 2023

Magnetism Activity, Admin Stem For Success

STEM for Success Showcase

This interactive activity teaches students about magnetism.


Nail Steam Activity, Admin Stem For Success, Natalie Wilson Apr 2023

Nail Steam Activity, Admin Stem For Success, Natalie Wilson

STEM for Success Showcase

Activity where students use nails to practice concepts relating to center of gravity


Basketballs And Energy, Admin Stem For Success Apr 2023

Basketballs And Energy, Admin Stem For Success

STEM for Success Showcase

No abstract provided.


Money And Energy, Admin Stem For Success, Natalie Wilson Apr 2023

Money And Energy, Admin Stem For Success, Natalie Wilson

STEM for Success Showcase

Money is related to physics concepts to teach students about work, potential energy and conservation of energy


Rubber Band Car Activity, Admin Stem For Success, Natalie Wilson Apr 2023

Rubber Band Car Activity, Admin Stem For Success, Natalie Wilson

STEM for Success Showcase

Student learn about forces and engineering by designing a car powered by rubber bands


Reflective Freewriting As A Strategy To Improve Pre-Service Teacher’S Physics Content Knowledge And Overall Attitude Toward Physics And Physics Teaching, Kali Ann Shoaf-Laughlin Jan 2023

Reflective Freewriting As A Strategy To Improve Pre-Service Teacher’S Physics Content Knowledge And Overall Attitude Toward Physics And Physics Teaching, Kali Ann Shoaf-Laughlin

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

A pilot study conducted in the pre-service teacher (PST) physics classroom at Missouri State University sought to validate a tool for learning. A writing treatment, in which students were asked to participate in reflective freewriting exercises over the course of the semester was administered to one lab group. The Physics Attitude Scale was used to determine whether a positive impact was made on pre-service teacher attitudes about physics and teaching physics. Classroom exams and lab reports were used to determine whether or not aptitude was affected. This action research study used qualitative data to assess content knowledge and overall shift …


Setting Empirically Informed Policy Benchmarks For Physical Science Teaching, Elizabeth B. Lewis, Ana Rivero, Lyrica L. Lucas, Aaron Musson, Brandon Helding May 2021

Setting Empirically Informed Policy Benchmarks For Physical Science Teaching, Elizabeth B. Lewis, Ana Rivero, Lyrica L. Lucas, Aaron Musson, Brandon Helding

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

In the United States, research on beginning science teachers provides little guidance regarding empirical minimum levels of discipline-specific science coursework for sufficient subject matter knowledge to teach science. Accordingly, in this study we analyzed secondary physical science teachers' science coursework for subject matter knowledge (SMK) and resulting misconceptions of chemistry and physics concepts. Findings were compared with state-level science teacher certification policies. Participants had either: (a) completed a master's level teacher preparation program with an undergraduate degree in science, (b) completed an undergraduate teacher preparation program with a minor degree or more in science, or (c) were undergraduate students enrolled …


Environmental Topics In Physics By Inquiry Course: Integration Models Used By Physics Teachers, David A. Kimori, Gillian Roehrig May 2021

Environmental Topics In Physics By Inquiry Course: Integration Models Used By Physics Teachers, David A. Kimori, Gillian Roehrig

The Qualitative Report

As we approach the second quarter of the twenty-first century, one may predict the environment will be among the dominant themes in political and educational discourse. This study investigates how three physics teachers integrated environmental topics and issues in their classroom. Data collection methods including field notes taken from observations, teachers’ interviews, and a collection of artifacts and documents were used. The data were coded, analyzed, and organized into categories utilizing Fogarty’s models of curriculum integration. Findings of this study indicate teachers acknowledge the importance of teaching environmental issues in their classrooms; however, implementing and utilizing effective integration strategies and …


Drawing Parallels In Art Science For Collaborative Learning: A Case Study, Karen Westland Dec 2020

Drawing Parallels In Art Science For Collaborative Learning: A Case Study, Karen Westland

The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal

This research paper explores drawing as a tool to facilitate interdisciplinary practice. Outlined is the personal experience of PhD researcher [name removed] in their physics/craft research project, combined with thoughts and opinions from collaborators gathered through group discursive interviews. Interdisciplinary projects face interpersonal and conceptually ambiguous challenges which can be addressed through adopting drawing techniques for educational purposes. Findings highlight that drawing can assist across a breadth of applications as a learning tool for everyone, regardless of drawing ability, to improve the functionality of collaborative projects. Specifically, drawing combined with other communication techniques develops a performative communicative approach that enriches …


Blended-Flipped Classroom Learning For Physics Students With The Topic Of The Photoelectric Effect, Alvama Pattiserlihun, Stephanie Jessy James Setiadi Oct 2020

Blended-Flipped Classroom Learning For Physics Students With The Topic Of The Photoelectric Effect, Alvama Pattiserlihun, Stephanie Jessy James Setiadi

Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPA

Blended-Flipped Classroom Learning is a learning method that combines blended learning with flipped classroom learning. This study aims to: (1). Design and implement Blended-Flipped Classroom Learning with the topic of Photoelectric Effect for Physics and Physics Education students in Modern Physics course; (2). Determine how the effect of Blended-Flipped Classroom Learning on student learning outcomes for the topic of Photoelectric Effect; (3). Determine students' responses toward Blended-Flipped Classroom Learning for the topic of Photoelectric Effect. This research was descriptive and conducted at the Physics and Physics Education Department, Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana in the Modern Physics course. From the results …


Description Of Students' Science Process Skills On Density Material, Tanti Tanti, Dwi Agus Kurniawan, Aziza Putri Ningsi Oct 2020

Description Of Students' Science Process Skills On Density Material, Tanti Tanti, Dwi Agus Kurniawan, Aziza Putri Ningsi

Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPA

Physics is one of the subjects related to various scientific concepts in which some of its applications can be found in everyday life. Thus in the learning of physics required special skills, namely science process skills. Science process skills have two categories, basic science process skills, and integration science processes. The researcher conducted research that aims to measure the ability of students' science process skills on static fluid material by using an observation sheet that matches the indicators of science process skills. The research method used is a mixed-method (mix methods) while the design used is sequential explanatory, which combines …


Mechani-Kits Senior Design Project, Jake Utley, Sophie Carson, Vincent Seguin Jun 2020

Mechani-Kits Senior Design Project, Jake Utley, Sophie Carson, Vincent Seguin

Mechanical Engineering

Studies suggest that when designed and executed well, hands-on activities can enhance student understanding of key mechanics concepts. Current products are expensive and typically not designed to meet a variety of learning objectives. Through the Mechanics of Inclusion and Inclusivity in Mechanics grant, the Cal Poly Physics and Engineering Departments are seeking to incorporate new hands-on activities into their courses. Our team has designed three inexpensive ”MechaniKits” to be used in physics, statics and dynamics courses [1]. This Final Design Review outlines our findings, objectives, and final designs for this project. It also explains our manufacturing and design verification plans. …


College Student Changing Attitudes And Beliefs About The Nature Of And Teaching Of Mathematics And Science, Stephen R. Skinner May 2020

College Student Changing Attitudes And Beliefs About The Nature Of And Teaching Of Mathematics And Science, Stephen R. Skinner

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

With an estimated 17.3 million STEM jobs in the US, there exists a need for a STEMready workforce that is science literate with positive attitudes and beliefs toward the learning and teaching of mathematics and science (Graf, Fry, & Funk, 2018). However, the US has seen a steady decline in the number of high school students interested in STEM-related fields with only 16% of interested students with proven proficiency in mathematics and science and are ready to enroll in college STEM programs (ACT, 2017; Osborne & Dillon, 2008; Stake & Mares, 2001). With the decline in student interest, the US …


The Apollo 1 Fire: A Case Study In The Flammability Of Fabrics, With Supplemental Material For On-Line Appendix, Gregory A. Dilisi Apr 2019

The Apollo 1 Fire: A Case Study In The Flammability Of Fabrics, With Supplemental Material For On-Line Appendix, Gregory A. Dilisi

2019 Faculty Bibliography

No abstract provided.


The Hottest Color For The Fastest Ride: A Problem-Based Unit Of Instruction For The Elementary And Middle School Science Classroom, Madison Wells Apr 2019

The Hottest Color For The Fastest Ride: A Problem-Based Unit Of Instruction For The Elementary And Middle School Science Classroom, Madison Wells

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

There is a major gap in the availability of Next Generation Science Standard focused curriculum that effectively utilizes technology to solve real-world problems in an authentic way. “The Hottest Color for the Fastest Ride” will allow students to participate in the real-world application of reflection absorption of light and heat due to color through designing, building, and testing two dual-tone corvettes. This three-day unit of physics instruction designed for fourth- and fifth- grade science classrooms will be tied to a grand challenge that tasks the students with designing a dual-tone car that will stay cool during Kentucky’s hot summer weather …


The Oasis Skateboard Factory: Return To The One-Room Schoolhouse, William Robertson Jan 2019

The Oasis Skateboard Factory: Return To The One-Room Schoolhouse, William Robertson

Selected Works Temporary Series

How can you get young people interested in science and mathematics? What efforts are there to integrate the experiences of high school students into the things they need to do and learn in school? How can action sports, like skateboarding be used to teach science, mathematics, language arts, history and help at-rick and marginalized students to grow in their engagement and motivation in high school, as well as to graduate? This is in part answered at the Oasis Skateboard Factory (OSF) an alternative high school in Toronto, Canada. The factory, under the direction of founding teacher Craig Morrison, has enjoyed …


The Masters Of Physics: Critical Thinking Through Skateboarding, William Robertson Jan 2019

The Masters Of Physics: Critical Thinking Through Skateboarding, William Robertson

Selected Works Temporary Series

This paper focuses on the use of live action and video instruction as a method of content dissemination and to motivate students in learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Specifically, this area, dubbed “edutainment”, chronicles different interactions with students, teachers and community members that utilized live action to video as methods of capturing relevant content in student-centered contexts. The fundamental idea is to infuse one's passion into modern methods of teaching, and to inspire others to use their gifts in their education, and thereby connect them to their dreams and aspirations.


Holy High-Flying Hero! Bringing A Superhero Down To Earth, Gregory A. Dilisi Jan 2019

Holy High-Flying Hero! Bringing A Superhero Down To Earth, Gregory A. Dilisi

2019 Faculty Bibliography

No abstract provided.


Learning A New Physics Concept By Exploring Analogous Problems : An Instructional Intervention, Joanna Perry Weaver Jan 2019

Learning A New Physics Concept By Exploring Analogous Problems : An Instructional Intervention, Joanna Perry Weaver

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This study tested the hypothesis that exploratory learning, with and without analogous problems, would improve students’ ability to make connections between conceptually-related topics. In this randomized experiment, undergraduates in introductory physics (N = 171) studied a new topic under three different instructional conditions. Order and type of instruction varied: Two experimental groups explored the concept before hearing a lecture; a control group followed the typical sequence of hearing a lecture before working with the concept. Within the experimental condition, students in the analogy-first group simultaneously explored analogous problems; students in the explore-first group explored only the new problem with a …


Florida Science: The Science That Makes Florida Different, Terence W. Cavanaugh Jan 2019

Florida Science: The Science That Makes Florida Different, Terence W. Cavanaugh

Secondary Level Resources

This book was created to assist students with their understanding of how science occurs in Florida. When teaching science or any subject it’s important to remember to begin with the concrete and then move to the abstract. I have found that it has helped my students when I begin by teaching science concepts in a concrete manner and expand from there. For example, when I taught about topographic maps, the students were much more successful in their learning when I started with local topographic maps that included the school and the surrounding area than with places that had mountains or …