Conveners
Room 107 (Parallel C): Parallel 1
- Kathleen Hennessy (Saint Joseph's University)
- Jason Sterlace (James Madison University)
Room 107 (Parallel C): Parallel 3
- Qi Lu (Delaware State University)
- Anupama Bhat (Delaware Technical Community College)
Room 107 (Parallel C): AAPT-SEPS Business Meeting
- Kathleen Hennessy (Saint Joseph's University)
Start with the textbook underdamped circuit consisting of a capacitor, inductor, and resistor wired in series. The initial conditions are the capacitor is charged and the current is zero. Use an oscilloscope probe to measure the oscillating voltage across the capacitor as a function of time. If we now connect a diode in series with the input to that probe, we have a half rectifier but the...
Upper-level undergraduate courses in relativity and quantum mechanics are often taught independently, with limited opportunity for students to explore the conceptual interplay between the two frameworks. In this talk, we present a classroom-accessible thought experiment based on entangled spin-$\tfrac{1}{2}$ systems in reflected Rindler frames that exposes a fundamental tension between quantum...
We construct spacetime diagrams for special relativity on graph paper that has been rotated by 45 degrees. Boxes in the grid (called “clock diamonds”) represent units of measurement modeled on the ticks of an inertial observer's light clock. Many quantitative results and their physical interpretations can be read off the diagram simply by counting boxes. We use simple geometrical constructions...
This talk presents a practical, data‑driven approach to improving student engagement and mastery in physics laboratories using the 5 A’s of Alignment: Aim, Actions & Assessment, Answers, Analysis, and Adjustments. Drawing on real examples from introductory physics labs including lab objectives, student performance distributions, and authentic student feedback, the talk illustrates how...
We examined a heterogenous group of students’ perspectives on roles, tools, and labs in small group during discourses in an introductory electricity and magnetism course within a studio physics format. We employed focus group interview to explore the perspectives of the group of two white men and one White woman. Results suggest that participants’ positively perceived the role of presentation...
This talk introduces the Advanced Laboratory Physics Association ([ALPhA][1]), a group dedicated to supporting the advanced laboratory instruction. It is intended for physics faculty who are seeking for both technical and financial support to enhance their advanced laboratory courses. The presentation will provide an overview of ALPhA’s mission, along with updated information on its recent and...
This presentation examines grading practices in the high school classroom with a focus on standards and standards-referenced grading as alternatives to traditional point-based systems. It explores how educational standards can be translated from state or district expectations into clear classroom learning goals and assessment criteria for students with a growth mindset. The presentation...
We present a set of introductory physics (Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism) activities that can be used as supplements or replacements for traditional labs or group activities. Each assignment poses a relatively complex problem to the students, but with a straightforward target quantity to calculate. Students have a choice of either solving the problem theoretically, or engaging with...
