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Re: [Phys-l] Simulated Labs for General Physics Course



As a graduate theory student at Chapel Hill I took our version of the shop course. It was a very worthwhile experience. I did prove to myself that theory was a better direction than experimental physics for myself, but that wasn't the only reason it was worthwhile.

_________________________

Joel Rauber, Ph.D 
Professor and Head of Physics
Department of Physics
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
Joel.Rauber@sdstate.edu
605.688.5428 (w)
605.688.5878 (fax)

-----Original Message-----
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [mailto:phys-l-
bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of Bernard Cleyet
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 4:51 PM
To: Forum for Physics Educators
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Simulated Labs for General Physics Course

<I wrote this and fw hours ago and now discover not sent.>


I simulated (wrote the leapfrog basic) the coupled spring oscillator
supporting a pendulum**, because I didn't have the app. I then
purchased the app. [Pasco and Vernier low friction cart, track, rotary
optical ecoder, rod and masses, etc.]

I hadn't included friction, which in the app. added to my understanding.

Reinforcing what's already been written:


According to the PER people simulatio are better at reaching principles.
Not intuitive , but perhaps for the very reason they are "bad" labs, ie
ideal and w/o the physical stuff clutter.

OTOH th ephysicla clutter is necesary to develop experimental
techniques. It's nto an acciden most grad students (even some theory
ones at UCSC) are required to take a shop course.

Knowledge gained kiesthetically is supposed to be the best learned and
retained.


** and this was to explain an unexplaned behaviour found by an
Horologist.

On 2011, Jan 20, , at 11:45, ludwik kowalski wrote:

I agree with both of you. Simulations help us to explore consequences
of theoretically formulated statements. Ideally, all simulation programs
should be written by those who use them.

Ludwik

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