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AG:
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Methods to Improve Conceptual Learning in Quantum Mechanics I
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Location:
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SS Ballroom ABC |
Date:
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Monday, Aug.01 |
Time:
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8:00AM - 9:30AM
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Presider:
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Mario Belloni,
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Co-Presiders(s):
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None
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Equipment:
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N/A
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AG01:
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Teaching Quantum Mechanics in the Paradigms in Physics Curriculum
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Location:
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SS Ballroom ABC |
Date:
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Monday, Aug.01 |
Time:
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8:00AM - 8:30AM
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Author:
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David H. McIntyre, Oregon State University
541 737-1696, mcintyre@ucs.orst.edu
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Co-Author(s):
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None
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Abstract:
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To improve conceptual learning, the Paradigms in Physics program has reordered material from the subdisciplines and incorporated modern pedagogical strategies. In the quantum part of our curriculum, we adopt a "spins-first" approach by introducing quantum mechanics through the analysis of sequential Stern-Gerlach spin measurements. The aims of the spins-first approach are: (1) To immerse students in the inherently quantum mechanical aspects of physics, and (2) To give students experience with the mechanics of quantum mechanics in the forms of Dirac and matrix notation. To facilitate our spins-first approach, we use Stern-Gerlach simulation software to study measurements, interferometers, spin precession in a magnetic field, and "which-path" detection. We build upon the spins-first approach by using the spin-1/2 example to introduce perturbation theory, the addition of angular momentum, and identical particles. We use Dirac notation and matrix notation throughout our five quantum courses, emphasizing the importance of fluency in multiple representations.
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Footnotes:
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This material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Nos. 9653250, 0231194, and 0618877. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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AG02:
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Ask, and It Shall be Given You
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Location:
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SS Ballroom ABC |
Date:
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Monday, Aug.01 |
Time:
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8:30AM - 9:00AM
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Author:
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Daniel F. Styer,
440-775-8183, Dan.Styer@oberlin.edu
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Co-Author(s):
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None
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Abstract:
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Conceptual learning in a quantum mechanics course can be promoted by a balanced, interwoven treatment of concepts, formalism, and applications so that each thread reinforces the other. In particular, it is important that most problems, no matter how technical, contain conceptual elements as well.
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Footnotes:
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None
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AG03:
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Turning Quantum Mechanics Course Notes into Tutorials
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Location:
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SS Ballroom ABC |
Date:
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Monday, Aug.01 |
Time:
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9:00AM - 9:30AM
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Author:
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Todd K. Timberlake, Berry College
(706) 368-5622, ttimberlake@berry.edu
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Co-Author(s):
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None
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Abstract:
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Efforts have been under way for many years to introduce active engagement strategies in the teaching of introductory physics. More recently there have been attempts to expand the use of active engagement into upper-division physics courses. In this talk I will discuss my efforts to employ active engagement in an upper-level quantum mechanics course, using a series of tutorial activities covering many of the standard topics in quantum mechanics. I will discuss some of the challenges of using active engagement to teach quantum mechanics, as well as my process for creating the tutorials, most of which were simply adapted from the derivations and sample problems that I had previously presented in lecture format. In addition, I will comment on the overall success of this approach, mention some topics for which I still make use of traditional lecture, and share the reactions of my students to the tutorials and the class as a whole. The tutorials (in pdf and LaTeX format) can be found at http://facultyweb.berr.edu/ttimberlake/active_quantum/.
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Footnotes:
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None
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