Search results for "Physics Education"
showing 10 items of 101 documents
Two experiments to approach the Boltzmann factor: chemical reaction and viscous flow
2012
In this paper we discuss a pedagogical approach aimed at pointing out the role played by the Boltzmann factor in describing phenomena usually perceived as regulated by different mechanisms of functioning. Experimental results regarding some aspects of a chemical reaction and of the viscous flow of some liquids are analysed and described in terms of macroscopic variables whose temperature dependence is proportional to the Boltzmann factor. A description of a workshop implementing the approach in the framework of an undergraduate course for engineering education and some preliminary results about its pedagogical relevance are then reported.
A Problem Based Approach to Elastic Wave Propagation: The Role of Constraints
2009
A problem-based approach to the teaching of mechanical wave propagation, focused on observation and measurement of wave properties in solids and on modelling of these properties, is presented. In particular, some experimental results, originally aimed at measuring the propagation speed of sound waves in metallic rods, are used in order to deepen the role of constraints in mechanical wave propagation. Interpretative models of the results obtained in the laboratory are built and implemented by using a well-known simulation environment. The simulation results are, then, compared with experimental data. The approach has been developed and experimented in the context of a workshop on mechanical …
Exploring Gravitational Lensing
2019
In this article, we discuss the idea of gravitational lensing, from a systematic, historical and didactic point of view. We show how the basic lensing equation together with the concepts of geometrical optics opens a space of implications that can be explored along different dimensions. We argue that Einstein explored the idea along different pathways in this space of implication, and that these explorations are documented by different calculational manuscripts. The conceptualization of the idea of gravitational lensing as a space of exploration also shows the feasibility of discussing the idea in the classroom using some of Einstein's manuscripts.
Enseñanza de las ciencias : revista de investigación y experiencias didácticas
2021
Resumen basado en el de la publicación Resumen en inglés El tema de la energía es una parte muy importante de un curso de física, ya que proporciona un vínculo claro entre las diferentes secciones de física. Se analiza la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la energía en el nivel secundario y se demuestra que los métodos tradicionales para enseñar energía: a) no consideran las ideas erróneas de los estudiantes, b) introducen la conservación de energía en mecánicas y termodinámicas, pero no aclaran si es un teorema o un principio, y c) no presentan la conservación de la energía como principio general de toda la física. Finalmente, se muestra un nuevo enfoque para la enseñanza de la energía. ESP
Teaching energy conservation as a unifying principle in physics
2009
In this work we present the design and assessment of a teaching sequence aimed at introducing the principle of energy conservation at post-compulsory secondary school level (16-18 year olds). The proposal is based on the result of research into teaching-learning difficulties and on the analysis of the physics framework. Evidence is shown that this teaching sequence, together with the methodology used in the classroom, may result in students having a better grasp of the principle of energy conservation. Keywords Physics education · Energy conceptions · Teaching activities
2D simulation of wave-particle coupling inspired by walking droplets
2018
In recent years, a fluid dynamics phenomenon has been observed that shows interesting analogies with several quantum mechanical ones. Under specific experimental conditions, a liquid droplet released on a vibrating liquid persists in jumping, forming a localized wave-particle, and its behaviour resembles that of a de Broglie wave-particle. In this paper we discuss a simplified model for this phenomenon and the results of numerical fluid dynamics simulations implemented on the basis of the model. In spite of the relevant simplifying assumptions of our approach, we observe that a wave-droplet coupling is obtained and the droplet travels at nearly constant velocity, as it is observed in experi…
Open inquiry-based learning experiences: a case study in the context of energy exchange by thermal radiation
2013
An open inquiry (OI)-based teaching/learning experience, regarding a scientific investigation of the process of energy exchange by thermal radiation, is presented. A sample of upper secondary school physics teachers carried out this experience at the University of Palermo, Italy, in the framework of ESTABLISH, a FP7 European Project aimed at promoting and developing inquiry-based science education. The teachers had the opportunity to personally experience an OI-based learning activity, with the aim of exploring the pedagogical potentialities of this teaching approach to promote both the understanding of difficult concepts and a deeper view of scientific practices. The teachers were firstly …
Elucidating the electron transport in semiconductors via Monte Carlo simulations: An inquiry-driven learning path for engineering undergraduates
2015
Within the context of higher education for science or engineering undergraduates, we present an inquiry-driven learning path aimed at developing a more meaningful conceptual understanding of the electron dynamics in semiconductors in the presence of applied electric fields. The electron transport in a nondegenerate n-type indium phosphide bulk semiconductor is modelled using a multivalley Monte Carlo approach. The main characteristics of the electron dynamics are explored under different values of the driving electric field, lattice temperature and impurity density. Simulation results are presented by following a question-driven path of exploration, starting from the validation of the model…
Enseñanza de las ciencias : revista de investigación y experiencias didácticas
2021
Resumen. La conservación de la energía es uno de los conceptos más importantes de la física porque unifi ca todos los fenómenos. En este artículo presentamos algunos resultados de una investigación sobre el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje del concepto de energía y su conservación realizado en el nivel de la educación secundaria española. El análisis de los datos pone de manifiesto que la conservación de la energía se introduce en mecánica y termodinámica pero no en todos los campos de la física. Los resultados experimentales se han utilizado para desarrollar un nuevo enfoque de la enseñanza de la energía. Palabras clave. Energía, educación en física, actividades de enseñanza. Summary. The …
El papel del péndulo en el construcción del paradigma newtoniano
1992
This paper shows the important role of one of the most common instruments, the pendulum, in the construction of the newtonian paradigm. From the analysis of some interesting applications carried out by the greatest scientists of that time, we conclude that the appropriate use of the pendulum in the classroom can be an easy way to introduce historical and epistemological evolution of basic physical concepts.