Events at Physics |
Events During the Week of July 12th through July 19th, 2026
Monday, July 13th, 2026
- Thesis Defense
- Implementing Structured Quantitative Inquiry Labs in Physics 202
- Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Place: B343 Sterling or
- Speaker: Isaac Barnhill, Physics MS Graduate Student
- Abstract: A commonly stated goal of traditional instructional physics labs is to help students gain physics content knowledge, yet a growing body of evidence suggests that labs are falling short of that goal. This has led to many calls to reform physics labs, and inquiry-based labs are one of many attempts at doing so. These labs shift the instructional focus away from reinforcing content from other portions of the course and instead aim to teach students the skills required to perform quantitative experiments in the classroom and beyond. In this thesis, I present a survey of the literature on instructional labs through the lenses of sensemaking and epistemic agency. I also discuss the results of a controlled comparison between content- and inquiry-based curricula for a high-enrollment course at a large public university. I report that the treatment group did not experience significantly different levels of academic success than the control group as measured through midterm exam scores. However, in tension with previous findings, I also report no statistical difference between lab conditions in terms of students' attitudes and beliefs about experimental physics. Finally, I report small but measurable gains in students' critical thinking skills and in affective state in the context of experimental physics. Despite these mixed results, this study serves as yet another indication of both the practicality and the urgent need to improve the undergraduate physics lab experience.
- Host: Peter Timbie
Tuesday, July 14th, 2026
- No events scheduled
Wednesday, July 15th, 2026
- Social Gathering
- Summer Recess
- Time: 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
- Place: Lawn in front of Birge Hall
- Speaker: Everyone is welcome
- Abstract: If the weather is nice, we'll meet on Bascom Hill (in front of Birge Hall). Feel free to bring your lunch. We will borrow cornhole and ladder toss from the L&S Dean's Office and play outside for 30 minutes. Some of us will probably walk up together, meeting in the courtyard between Chamberlin and Sterling ~12:25. Feel free to walk with us! No need to sign up. Just come join us!
- Host: Sharon Kahn
Thursday, July 16th, 2026
- No events scheduled
Friday, July 17th, 2026
- Social Gathering
- Dept of Physics Bonfire Social
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Place: Picnic Point Fire Circle #2
- Abstract: Join the fun at a summer bonfire! We will provide s'mores, basic games, and share community! People are welcome to bring food of their own to roast as well. 5:30-sunset on Friday, July 17.
- Host: Austin Rosypal