Methods and Materials » Tutorials in Thermal & Statistical Physics
Tutorials in Thermal & Statistical Physics

Developed by: John Thompson, Michael Loverude, David Meltzer, Warren Christensen, Don Mountcastle

Level
 
middle schoolhigh schoolintro collegeinter-mediateupper levelgrad school   other


Intro College Calculus-based
calc based
Intro College Algebra-based
alg based

Topics
Thermal / Statistical
Setting
Lecture - Small (<30 students) Recitation/Discussion Session


What? Guided-inquiry worksheet activities designed to help students develop a better understanding of upper-division thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.

Student skills developed

Designed for:
  • Conceptual understanding
Can be adapted for:
  • Problem-solving skills

Instructor effort required

  • Medium

For more information and to access the tutorials, email Mike Loverude at mloverude@fullerton.edu.

RESEARCH VALIDATION
Bronze Validation
This is the third highest level of research validation, corresponding to:
  • at least 1 of the "based on" categories
  • at least 1 of the "demonstrated to improve" categories
  • at least 1 of the "studied using" categories
(Categories shown below)

Research Validation Summary

Based on Research Into:

  • theories of how students learn
  • student ideas about specific topics

Demonstrated to Improve:

  • conceptual understanding
  • problem-solving skills
  • lab skills
  • beliefs and attitudes
  • attendance
  • retention of students
  • success of underrepresented groups
  • performance in subsequent classes

Studied using:

  • cycle of research and redevelopment
  • student interviews
  • classroom observations
  • analysis of written work
  • research at multiple institutions
  • research by multiple groups
  • peer-reviewed publication

References