Flexible Software for Flexible Software for ComputerComputer--Based Problem Based Problem Solving LabsSolving LabsBrita L. Nellermoe1

Jennifer L. Docktor21Department 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 ClassroomsMotivationWhy LabVIEW?Programs

Video Recorder and Video ToolHall ProbeFaraday Probe

AdaptabilityConclusions

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ProblemProblem--Solving LabsSolving LabsLaboratory is a required part of introductory physics courses at UMn.

2-hours once a week

15 students per lab class, 1 TA coachUMn 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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MinnesotaMinnesota’’s Teaching Laboratoriess 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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MotivationMotivationWhy computers?

Can lead to faster, more accurate data takingFamiliar technology for most studentsConcern: 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 Why LabVIEWLabVIEW??

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/XPMacLinux Solaris

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ProgramsPrograms

Practice FITVideo RECORDERVideo TOOLHall PROBEFaraday 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 Acquisition30 frames/second, 5 seconds longAVI FormatIEEE 1394 Allows the user to step through frame by frame.

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Video TOOLVideo TOOL

Load and view videoPredict x and y position and x and y velocityAcquire dataAnalyze data

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Hall PROBEHall PROBE

Use with Vernier Magnetic Field SensorPredict, measure, and analyze magnetic fields

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Faraday PROBEFaraday PROBE

Mimics an oscilloscopeAllows the measurement of the magnitude and period of an induced magnetic field.Use with the Vernier Magnetic Field Sensor and Differential AmplifierPrediction, data, and analysis.

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AdaptabilityAdaptabilityEasily 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 yourselfTo try this for yourself……..http://groups.physics.umn.edu/physed

Computerized Problem Solving LabsDownload our laboratory software

lab@physics.umn.edu