Re: [Phys-l] Algebra based/calculus based laboratory

["John Clement" <clement@hal-pc.org>]

So far there are only 1 type of introductory published labs that are
research based.  But some of them do have extra things or extensions that
might be expected to be used for the upper level intro course.  The problems
of understanding the concepts are exactly the same for the calculus and
algebra based courses, so labs that expose the concepts really need to be
the same.

At Dickinson College they have just one course which can be aimed at either
algebra or calculus based students.  From having interacted with either type
of student I have found the calculus based students really need the same
things.  But you can expect somewhat better problem solving ability from the
students who have had calculus, but not much understanding of calculus.
Indeed they often have problems with algebra and arithmetic concepts.

So if you use Real Time Physics labs they are suitable for both levels.  The
original Tools for Scientific Thinking labs might be more suitable for
algebra based students, but the two sets of labs were not actually aimed at
different levels.  They were aimed at producing better understanding.
Similarly McDermott tutorials are aimed at all, and I have seen faculty
member challenged by them, so they are not low level labs.

John M. Clement
Houston, TX

> Hi all,
>       I'm new to this list, but I did not find any related messages in the
> archives, so I'll post my question:
>
> Do any other institutions out there use the same laboratory activities in
> both your algebra based (or non-majors) introductory course, and your
> calculus based (or majors) intro course?  Some colleagues need convincing
> that along with revising the 8 year old manual, creating two sets of
> activities will be worth the time and effort.
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Jacob Clark Blickenstaff
> Assistant Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
> University of Southern Mississippi
> 601-266-4742
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