Fund Skills

Fundamental Science Skills is a unique new program that utilizes the computer as an instructional tool to its fullest extent. The program contains interactive learning modules that teach vital skills students need early-on in a physics or physical science course. Each module presents an interactive self-guided lesson providing virtual one-on-one instruction. Topics include: measurement apparatus used in the lab, graphing skills, interpreting graphs, error analysis, understanding the process by which a scientific model is formulated, and developing an intuitive sense for the magnitude of various physical quantities when powers of 10 are involved. The topics were selected based upon instructor input of basic skills students were in most need of improving and basic areas where students lacked understanding. Each learning module is comprised of the following components: 1) Introduction Screen: A thorough introduction to the topic is given so that no prior instruction is necessary. 2) Usage Screen: Students are taught the skills required to meet the learning objective along with information on how to use the interactive simulations. 3) Practice Screen: Students practice with graphic-rich interactive simulations that provide immediate feedback on how well the student is performing. Students are presented with many different practice opportunities allowing as much practice as necessary to master the objective. 4) Exam Screen: The on-screen exam tests if the student fully understands and has mastered the learning objective. The exam is automatically scored with the results shown on-screen along with the option to print-out the results for submitting to the instructor. Exams use randomized data so the instructor can be assured the student's work is not plagiarized. Learning Modules Included: Measurement Apparatus • Triple-Beam Balance • Graduated Cylinder • Vernier Caliper • Micrometer • Meter Stick Graphing Skills • Graphing Data Points • Linear Graphs Interpreting Graphs • Graphs & Inclined Tracks Game Error Analysis • Mean and Standard Deviation Order of Magnitude (Powers of 10) • Order of Magnitude: Mass • Order of Magnitude: Distance • Order of Magnitude: Speed Formulating a Scientific Model • Ring Challenge Game
		Graphs & Inclined Tracks Module: Presented with graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration plotted against time, students must setup an arrangement of sloping tracks so that a frictionless puck sliding on the tracks will reproduce the motion shown in the graphs. On the Exam screen, students try to obtain their best score by reproducing the motion graphs with as few trial runs as possible! View Intro, Practice, & Exam Screens


		Scientific Model/Ring Challenge Module: Students discover the process of how a scientific theory or model is formulated by means of a game. Rings are suspended from rods inside a sealed box, the location of the rings must be determined by withdrawing the rods. Without ever seeing inside the box, students assemble a ring-configuration model that explains their observations. Upon withdrawing rods in a different order or direction in future trials, students find their model must go through a series of modifications to explain new observations. View Intro, Practice, & Exam Screens


		Triple-Beam Balance Module: Students receive guided practice using a triple-beam balance. While massing various objects, feedback is given as to how well proper procedure is followed when zeroing the balance, using the riders, reading the mass and estimating the final significant digit. Students then proceed to the Exam screen where they’re evaluated on how well they use the balance to mass several objects. View Intro, Practice, & Exam Screens