Physics Education
In this paper I explain how I usually introduce the Schr\"odinger equation during the quantum mechanics course. My preferred method is the chronological one. Since the Schr\"odinger equation belongs to a special case of wave equations I…
A large body of research shows that using interactive engagement pedagogy in the introductory physics classroom consistently results in significant student learning gains; however, with a few exceptions, those learning gains tend not to be…
General-education college astronomy courses offer instructors both a unique audience and a unique challenge. For many students, such a course may be their first time encountering a standalone astronomy class, and it is also likely one of…
We describe a simple classroom demonstration of a fluid-dynamic instability. The demonstration requires only a bucket of water, a piece of string and some used tealeaves or coffee grounds. We argue that the mechanism for the instability, at…
Geometry, calculus and in particular integrals, are too often seen by young students as technical tools with no link to the reality. This fact generates into the students a loss of interest with a consequent removal of motivation in the…
Experimental analysis of the motion in a system of two coupled oscillators with arbitrary initial conditions was performed and the normal coordinates were obtained directly. The system consisted of two gliders moving on an air track, joined…
The article presents a proposal to contextualize the study of movement in first courses of university physics, as a contribution to decision-making in situations of a social nature. For this, the case of the use of kinetic impact…
A set of virtual experiments were designed to use with introductory physics I (analytical and general) class, which covers kinematics, Newton laws, energy, momentum, and rotational dynamics. Virtual experiments were based on video analysis…
Studies examining gender differences in introductory physics show a consensus when it comes to a gender gap on conceptual assessments; however, the story is not as clear when it comes to differences in gendered performance on exams. This…
Introductory electricity and magnetism lab manual was designed to use with virtual Physics II class. The lab manual consists of experiments on electrostatics, electric potential and energy, current and resistance, DC circuits,…
We describe a simple method to experimentally determine the frequency dependencies of the per-unit-length resistance and conductance of transmission lines. The experiment is intended as a supplement to the classic measurement of the…
This article discusses several erroneous claims which appear in textbooks on numerical methods and computational physics. These are not typos or mistakes an individual author has made, but widespread misconceptions. In an attempt to stop…
Physics lab courses are integral parts of an undergraduate physics education, and offer a variety of opportunities for learning. Many of these opportunities center around a common learning goal in introductory physics lab courses:…
Studying for physics exams can be difficult and stressful, especially during a student's introductory year in physics. For students who do not plan to major in physics, the desire to do well is based less on understanding concepts and more…
We propose and define the construct, cross-disciplinary learning, which can guide learning and assessment in programs that feature sequential learning across multiple STEM disciplines. Cross-disciplinary learning combines insights from…
We developed a modified version of a conventional (BB84) quantum key distribution protocol that can be understood and implemented by students at a pre-university level. We intentionally introduce a subtle but critical simplification to the…
Diffraction is a manifestation of light at edge due to its wavelike nature. The well-known diffraction phenomena are Fresnel and Fraunhofer, they find variety of applications individually. But the synergy of two phenomena is not studied and…
"Rigor" is an often sought after but ill-defined concept in education. This work reviews several models of rigor from current literature before proposing a tool which is used to analyze science education throughout history. The…
The impact of inquiry-based instruction on the improvement of content knowledge of electricity and wave properties in two studies was the subject of this investigation. Groups of pre-college and undergraduate students performed a series of…
Many undergraduate and graduate physics students participate in some form of public engagement throughout the course of their studies, often through groups supported by physics departments and universities. These informal teaching and…