Engaging Students in Authentic Scientific Practices in Physics Lab Courses

Plenary lecture 3: Heather Lewandowski, University of Colorado Boulder

Physics is an empirical science. Therefore, learning physics must include learning how to design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, and revise models and apparatus.

Lab courses are a way for students to engage in these authentic physics practices. Our work looks to improve lab experiences by improving students’ competency with modeling of physical and measurement systems, troubleshooting skills, documentation practices, and views of the nature of experimental physics.