OVERVIEW

The aim of the course "physics laboratory" is  to introduce the first experimental elements  based on the measurement and the ability to write a report on the experiment performed. The chosen topics are very general and can be useful also for the design of educational courses and include: force, Archimedes' principle, light vision and color, formation of images.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The topics discussed in the laboratory course provide the student with skills for the critical analysis of physics teaching units in primary schools and for the design of original didactical units that take into account the results of research in teaching physics. The program is closely related with that of the didactics of physics course and represents its natural completion. In fact, the students, divided into small groups, will directly experience the problems related to the measurements, to the notions of space and time, of the interactions between bodies, developing a critical observational spirit at the base of the experimental method and which must also be taken into account for the design of didactical units.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance at laboratory activities will allow students to:
- understand the basic elements of the experimental method;
- acquisition of physics contents useful for teaching in primary and nursery schools;
- ability to communicate the results obtained.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of 4 hours of laboratory lessons, for a total of 16 hours. Three lessons are mandatory. Students will be engaged in performing laboratory experiments described in specific lecture notes provided in advance under the supervision of a teacher. The experiments will be performed in groups. Each group will then produce a report outlining the obtained results.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The topics of lab experiments include:

a) Force (linear elongation of a spring and  calibration of a dynamometer);

b) Archimedes' principle (determination of the upward buoyant force, calculation of irregular volumes);

c) light and color vision (properties of a light source and its spectrum, decomposition of light, additive and subtractive color synthesis);

d) image formation (principle of lenses and composition of two lenses).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecture notes for the preparation of experiences will be given to students. Lecture notes will be available on AulaWeb in advance, at least one week before the lesson.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GIANANGELO BRACCO (President)

MICHELE MAGNOZZI (President Substitute)

NADIA PARODI (President Substitute)

CARLO SCHIAVI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

Class schedule

DIDACTICS OF THE PHYSICAL (WORKSHOP)

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists in the evaluation of laboratory reports.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

For the written part, the lab report for each lab experiment performed in group will be evaluated and the final score is the average of the single marks. The evaluation criteria will be the congruity of the report with respect the requests contained in the lecture notes.

Exam schedule