The gadgets of teaching - hands-on labs

Introducing Phil Boseglav and Frank Benko

Better tools allow you to ask better questions

• A capacitor discharge curve
  • reaction-time independent
  • visualization of a very special function, exponential
  • refined math: piece-wise-continuous fuunctions; compensating for a null offset
  • the need for meaningful initial guesses
• A swinging pendulum
  • direct visualization of motion, x(t)
  • quality of fit to the entire data set
  • the need for meaningful initial guesses
• Viscosity, terminal velocity, Reynolds' number, standard drag curve
  • leveraging previously learned skills (pinger, x(t), x'(t))
  • escalating the conceptual complexity (R, C_d)
  • subtleties detected and revealed (wheel friction) - room to play

PHYS 1P93 Lab Manual

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