Bulletin of ANPA

Abstract submitted to ANPA Conference July 14–16, 2023

Volume 5, Number 1

Physics Education Research

Abstract ID: ANPA2023-N00091

Abstract:

ANPA2023-N00091: The process of a physics course redesign: Integrating numerical modeling into an introductory physics laboratory

Authors:

• Diana Sachmpazidi; University of Maryland

Computation is integral to modern scientific practice, along with theory and experimentation. However, traditional physics curricula typically introduce computation at later stages of the program and often on its own without meaningfully tying it to physical concepts. Moreover, while there is a broad consensus among the scientific community on integrating computation into physics instruction, there is limited guidance on how to do that effectively. In this talk, I will document the process of a collective effort to redesign a calculus-based introductory physics laboratory course to incorporate numerical modeling. I describe the instructional design and document students’ and instructors’ attitudes toward the newly redesigned course. Despite some challenges, students identified numerical modeling as the most important and beneficial feature of the course. The computational tools allowed students to engage in more complex and realistic experiments than in conventional laboratories, which triggered their interest and kept them engaged in the task. Results from instructor interview data corroborate the positive perceived aspects of student attitudes towards the course.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: https://anpaglobal.org/conference/2023/ANPA2023-N00091