Description:

The Workshop Physics Activity Guide is written for a two-semester calculus-based introductory physics course. It can be used:

• As a main guide for course activities (with a traditional text like Halliday or Benson as a reference).
  
• As a lab manual for a traditionally taught course.
  
• As a tutorial manual, replacing some recitations with hands-on activity sessions.
  
• In an algebra-based course, with slight modification of the materials (calculus used in about 10% of the activities).
  

It is designed to shift learning from a pure lecture method to student-centered instruction using hands-on activities. Students complete activities designed to help them develop an understanding of both experimental and theoretical aspects of physics for themselves. The design of the activities is based on the outcomes of physics education research. Research shows that Workshop Physics students learn vital concepts significantly better than traditional physics students. The guide has been class-tested at both large and small institutions.

Features:

• Integrated computer tools (available from Vernier Software, PASCO Scientific, and Microsoft) help students collect, display and analyze data and develop mathematical models to describe phenomena.

• Contains 28 units on Mechanics, Heat and Temperature, E&M, and Radioactivity. Each unit takes approximately one week to complete.

• Available in 4 modules (Mechanics I; Mechanics II; Heat, Temperature, and Nuclear Radiation; and Electricity and Magnetism) or as a complete set.

• Students enter predictions, observations, data tables, graphs, data analyses, and conclusions directly in the guides pages. Their lab book becomes their textbook, and vice-versa.

• Asks students to perform simple qualitative observations of basic phenomena using apparatus and software available from PASCO Scientific, and computer interfacing hardware from Vernier Software.

• Each topic uses a four-part learning method which requires students to 1) predict, 2) reflect and refine predictions, 3) develop definitions and derive equations, and 4) perform experiments intended to verify theoretical predictions.

Supplements:

Instructor Resource Material

• On-line resources that include sample syllabi, curricular software, homework assignments, examinations and answers, performance assessment tools, laboratory plans, equipment lists, and information on upcoming seminars and workshops for high school and college/university teachers of introductory physics.

• Computer-based laboratory materials that include spreadsheets for data analysis, graphing, calculations and modeling.

• Computer-based laboratory tools that includes sensors and probes designed to transfer experimental results directly to the computer and help students discover the laws of motion.

Workshop Physics Electronic Format
WORKSHOP PHYSICS is also available on a site license basis. Wiley will provide interested instructors with a CD containing modifiable MSWord files (both Macintosh and Windows). For more information, contact Stuart Johnson, Physics Editor, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10058. You can also phone at (212) 850-6981, or by email at sjohnson@wiley.com.