Computer Applications in Physics: The Integration of Information Technology in the Physics Curriculum

Abstract

There is a growing interest in using MBL and modelling tools to support research activities in the classroom. One of the major challenges is to create the conditions for pupils to do science; to give them the opportunity to formulate (at least partly) their own theories, to build and validate their own models. Possible results of these activities are the excitement of scientific discovery, the feeling that ‘understanding the complex world’ is a puzzle which can be solved, leading to a better understanding of the scientific approach.

To do this, the availability of user friendly tools is important, but not sufficient. Pupils need laboratory techniques and modelling skills, and need to have some basic knowledge of system properties (hardware). We cannot just presume the existence of such techniques, skills and knowledge. They have to be taught!

In this paper we report on a project which aims to integrate the subject ‘computer applications in scientific research’ into the traditional physics curriculum of secondary schools. In section 12.1 we review the history of the project. In section 12.2 we discuss the aims and contents of the course. In section 12.3 we discuss the implementation, and in section 12.4 we consider the first results of classroom experiments.