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

lab@physics.umn.edu