36 research outputs found
Emerging technologies in physics education
Three emerging technologies in physics education are evaluated from the
interdisciplinary perspective of cognitive science and physics education
research. The technologies - Physlet Physics, the Andes Intelligent Tutoring
System (ITS), and Microcomputer-Based Laboratory (MBL) Tools - are assessed
particularly in terms of their potential at promoting conceptual change,
developing expert-like problem-solving skills, and achieving the goals of the
traditional physics laboratory. Pedagogical methods to maximize the potential
of each educational technology are suggested.Comment: Accepted for publication in the Journal of Science Education and
Technology; 20 page
Teaching energy conservation as a unifying principle in physics
In this work we present the design and assessment of a teaching sequence aimed at introducing the principle of energy conservation at post-compulsory secondary school level (16-18 year olds). The proposal is based on the result of research into teaching-learning difficulties and on the analysis of the physics framework. Evidence is shown that this teaching sequence, together with the methodology used in the classroom, may result in students having a better grasp of the principle of energy conservation. Keywords Physics education · Energy conceptions · Teaching activitie
Making mathematics and science integration happen: key aspects of practice
The integration of mathematics and science teaching and learning facilitates student learning, engagement, motivation, problem-solving, criticality and real-life application. However, the actual implementation of an integrative approach to the teaching and learning of both subjects at classroom level, with in-service teachers working collaboratively, at second-level education, is under-researched due to the complexities of school-based research. This study reports on a year-long case study on the implementation of an integrated unit of learning on distance, speed and time, within three second-level schools in Ireland. This study employed a qualitative approach and examined the key aspects of practice that impact on the integration of mathematics and science teaching and learning. We argue that teacher perspective, teacher knowledge of the âother subjectâ and of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK), and teacher collaboration and support all impact on the implementation of an integrative approach to mathematics and science education
Accreting Millisecond X-Ray Pulsars
Accreting Millisecond X-Ray Pulsars (AMXPs) are astrophysical laboratories
without parallel in the study of extreme physics. In this chapter we review the
past fifteen years of discoveries in the field. We summarize the observations
of the fifteen known AMXPs, with a particular emphasis on the multi-wavelength
observations that have been carried out since the discovery of the first AMXP
in 1998. We review accretion torque theory, the pulse formation process, and
how AMXP observations have changed our view on the interaction of plasma and
magnetic fields in strong gravity. We also explain how the AMXPs have deepened
our understanding of the thermonuclear burst process, in particular the
phenomenon of burst oscillations. We conclude with a discussion of the open
problems that remain to be addressed in the future.Comment: Review to appear in "Timing neutron stars: pulsations, oscillations
and explosions", T. Belloni, M. Mendez, C.M. Zhang Eds., ASSL, Springer;
[revision with literature updated, several typos removed, 1 new AMXP added
Relativistic Dynamics and Extreme Mass Ratio Inspirals
It is now well-established that a dark, compact object (DCO), very likely a
massive black hole (MBH) of around four million solar masses is lurking at the
centre of the Milky Way. While a consensus is emerging about the origin and
growth of supermassive black holes (with masses larger than a billion solar
masses), MBHs with smaller masses, such as the one in our galactic centre,
remain understudied and enigmatic. The key to understanding these holes - how
some of them grow by orders of magnitude in mass - lies in understanding the
dynamics of the stars in the galactic neighbourhood. Stars interact with the
central MBH primarily through their gradual inspiral due to the emission of
gravitational radiation. Also stars produce gases which will subsequently be
accreted by the MBH through collisions and disruptions brought about by the
strong central tidal field. Such processes can contribute significantly to the
mass of the MBH and progress in understanding them requires theoretical work in
preparation for future gravitational radiation millihertz missions and X-ray
observatories. In particular, a unique probe of these regions is the
gravitational radiation that is emitted by some compact stars very close to the
black holes and which could be surveyed by a millihertz gravitational wave
interferometer scrutinizing the range of masses fundamental to understanding
the origin and growth of supermassive black holes. By extracting the
information carried by the gravitational radiation, we can determine the mass
and spin of the central MBH with unprecedented precision and we can determine
how the holes "eat" stars that happen to be near them.Comment: Update from the first version, 151 pages, accepted for publication @
Living Reviews in Relativit