Flexible Software for Flexible Software for Computer-Based Problem Computer-Based Problem Solving LabsSolving LabsBrita L. Nellermoe1
Jennifer L. Docktor2
1Department of Curriculum and Instruction2Department of PhysicsPhysics Education Research Group
Grant No. 9981043
Bill Gilbert2, Sean Albiston2, Brian Andersson2, Ken Heller2, Natalie Martimbeau2
Theodore Hodapp, Hamline University
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OutlineOutline
Problem solving laboratories and Minnesota’s Classrooms
Motivation Why LabVIEW? Programs
Video Recorder and Video Tool Hall Probe Faraday Probe
Adaptability Conclusions
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Problem-Solving LabsProblem-Solving Labs Laboratory is a required part of introductory physics
courses at UMn. 2-hours once a week 15 students per lab class, 1 TA coach
UMn has 70+ TAs and 2000 intro physics students per semester
Cooperative groups of 3 students Practice problem solving:
Predict-explore-measure-evaluate Some lab problems are quantitative, some are
qualitative (exploratory) The focus of the labs is to facilitate discussion and
coaching.
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Minnesota’s Teaching LaboratoriesMinnesota’s Teaching LaboratoriesTA
19in Computer Screen
Camera
LabEquipment
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Coaching by a Teaching AssistantCoaching by a Teaching AssistantProgram controls
Program Instructions
Data Graph
Program:Hall PROBE
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Exporting Data to EXCELExporting Data to EXCEL
Excel Spreadsheet
Also exportableTo:E-mailText file
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Context
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Before Class
Plan
3….4….5….6….
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Evaluate Results
Decisions
Graph data
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MotivationMotivation Why computers?
Can lead to faster, more accurate data taking Familiar technology for most students Concern: should not detract from the physical phenomena
being studied Why video?
2-D motion, less abstract, familiar technology Why design our own software?
Facilitate discussion and coaching Features force specific decisions:
• Predict an equation before plotting data• Choosing a coordinate system; origin and rotation• Calibration• Manually plot and analyze data; Unlabeled axes• Cannot “go back” or “undo”
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Why LabVIEW?Why LabVIEW?
Many departments already own and are familiar with LabVIEW.
Graphical programming allows for easier adaptability by instructors.
Industry standard and continued support.
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RequirementsRequirements
LabVIEW base package version 7.2 or higher. (Most current version is 8.3)
NI-IMAQ (Video Recorder and Video Tool) NI IEEE 1394 Firewire Driver (Video
Recorder) Variety of platforms
Windows 2000/NT/XP Mac Linux Solaris
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ProgramsPrograms
Practice FIT Video RECORDER Video TOOL Hall PROBE Faraday PROBE
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Practice FITPractice FIT
Allows students to practice their equation analysis techniques.
First exercise done.
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Video RECORDERVideo RECORDER
Simple Format Video Display and Acquisition
30 frames/second, 5 seconds long AVI Format IEEE 1394 Allows the user to step through frame
by frame.
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Video TOOLVideo TOOL
Load and view video Predict x and y position and x and y
velocity Acquire data Analyze data
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Hall PROBEHall PROBE
Use with Vernier Magnetic Field Sensor
Predict, measure, and analyze magnetic fields
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Faraday PROBEFaraday PROBE
Mimics an oscilloscope Allows the measurement of the
magnitude and period of an induced magnetic field.
Use with the Vernier Magnetic Field Sensor and Differential Amplifier
Prediction, data, and analysis.
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AdaptabilityAdaptability Easily edited by the instructor after using the
LabVIEW tutorial. Approximately 1 hour for each change
(based on no prior experience with LabVIEW).
Any AVI file with 30 fps and no dropped frames.
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ConclusionsConclusions
Developed software that runs on standard PCs and is based on a commercial product.
Works for 1000’s of students and TAs every semester.
Is easily modifiable to suit an instructor’s pedagogy.
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To try this for yourself….To try this for yourself…. http://groups.physics.umn.edu/physed
Computerized Problem Solving LabsDownload our laboratory software