Creating Non Textbook Based Homework Problems

Greg StoryMissouri University of Science and Technology

Physics Department

The CourseModern Physics for Engineers

The TeamMichael Acton

Desiree BeardmoreBrianne Heisinger

Ian McGheeBenjamin Prewitt

The Problem

1. Solutions to most technical textbook problems are now on line.

2. Many students will use those solutions.

Solution

3. Don’t assign graded Homework.

4. Generate your own homework problems.

The Problem

1. Solutions to most technical textbooks are now on line.

2. Many students will use those solutions.

Solution

3. Don’t assign graded Homework.

4. Generate your own homework problems.

1. GoalGenerate a large data base of homework problems.Make these problems available to others via the internet.

2. FundingMissouri University of Science and Technology Educational Mini-Grant

3. Assemble a team of past students to help write problems.

4. Results

A. Interaction with students is very helpful.

B. Students are horrible at writing problems.

C. Students benefit from seeing classes from the other side.

D. A full set of non textbook problems was created.

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Homework Scores

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Homework Scores

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Textbook Based Homework(Spring 2012)

Non Textbook Based Homework(Fall 2012)

Homework 11 Problem 5

5a. Calculate the binding energy per nucleon of Uranium 225, 238, and 242 and give the half lives of the three isotopes.

b. By comparing the half lives with the binding energy per nucleon, what can you say about the relationship between the two?

Isotope Binding Energy Half Life

225 7.630 MeV .095 seconds

238 7.570 MeV 4.47 x 109 years

242 7.532 Mev 16.8 minutes

Conclusion

Initial data seems to show a positive effect in terms of test scores versus Homework scores.

Putting the problems on the internet for use as graded homework does not seem practical.

Creating our own problems allows us to explore new ideas of how to Improve students understanding of a subject.

Acknowledgements

Missouri University of Science and Technology Educational Mini-Grant

Michael ActonDesiree BeardmoreBrianne HeisingerIan McGheeBenjamin Prewitt