Physics 100A, an introductory physics laboratory, is connected
to one of CSULB’s largest undergraduate service course,
serving about 1000 students per year. Dr. Kenealy received a NSF
grant for new computers, sensors, software and equipment to revise
the experiments in the physics lab to allow students to real-time
data collection and analysis using motion sensors and video capture
and analysis of motion. However, one significant component was
missing – the capability to share “real-time”
their findings; to simulate the scientific community.
ACS joined Dr. Kenealy in his project by providing a website whereby
the students could enter their results and compare their findings
with other members of their laboratory section. Based on an OS
X server and FileMaker Pro’s web and database components,
this web site is integral to newly conceived laboratory experience.
For example, imagine a lab with eight 3-person groups, each performing
a similar experiment. The data for each group is unique to their
setup, their skills, and their careful recording of the data.
Their results are then put into form at each workstation, immediately
entered into the database. Not unlike industry, they can review
their findings, and compare their results with their fellow classmates
at any time after the experiments have been completed and their
findings entered – in real-time.
Lab instructors augment this community collaborative spirit, changing
the lab experience from blackboard, chalk and the individual’s
notes to a robust interactive collaboration and real sense of
a workplace community. This course is crucial linchpin in many
students’ scientific and technical careers, as well as in
the scientific literacy.
