The Physics Laboratory Works – Individualized Computer Simulations

The physics laboratory-works creating and operating computer simulations experience is described. A significant amount of laboratory works can be classified as a “black box”. The studied physical phenomenon is hidden from direct observation, the control is carried out by means of electrical measuring devices. It is difficult to distinguish physical reality from its imitation when performing such work, so the virtualization of this one does not require realistic images. The schematic representation of the laboratory installation greatly simplifies the process of creating a simulator. A unique set of installation parameters is formed for each student performing laboratory work on the simulator, which contributes to the independence of the student's work. These parameters are stored in Google Sheets. Their transfer to the laboratory work’s html-template is carried out in encrypted form through the Google Apps Script service. Virtual laboratory work is implemented as a cross-platform web application.

Newton’s law of cooling experiment set using Arduino temperature sensor

The research aims to develop the experimental set of the temperature measurement in liquid by Arduino program displaying data on a smartphone via the Blynk application. The experimental set is composed of 1) 2 liquid temperature sensors (DS18B20 model), 2) Arduino program, and 3) LED screen for showing the temperature value in unit of °C and connect to a smartphone. The Arduino temperature sensor 1 and sensor 2 of the experimental set have 0.57% and 0.51% errors, respectively, compared with the temperature sensor of the B Smart Science Co., Ltd. company. The instrument is applied to the physics laboratory on Newton’s law of cooling to find the cooling rate of water and coffee. This low-cost instrument revealed high accuracy results and easy to connect with other devices.

Rating of Physics Laboratory Resources Management in Tertiary Institutions: Implications for Teaching and Learning STEM Subjects

Physics, a major branch of science requires adequate implementation of its theoretical and practical components. The critical role played by the use of laboratory in realising this goal cannot be overemphasized hence, the need for proper management of laboratory resources. This study investigated the rating of physics laboratory resources management in tertiary institution and its implications for STEM subjects using student’s voice. The investigation adopted a descriptive-survey research design which comprised 596 students taking physics-related courses in six tertiary institutions in Ondo State. A questionnaire with 19 item statements was designed titled ‘Questionnaire on Physics Laboratory Resources Management’ (QPLRM) and used to collect data for this study. The data collected were analysed using mean scores and ranking. Inadequate funding to carry out managerial plans and lackadaisical attitude on the part of lecturers were rated highest to have hindered the proper management of physics laboratory resources for improving STEM subjects. The study concludes that adequate funding and improved positive attitude on the part of lecturers and support staff are important to guarantee proper teaching of STEM subjects. The study recommends that government through its agencies should provide more funds for the adequate implementation of STEM subjects.

Virtual Physics Laboratory with Real World Problem Based on Ngada Local Wisdom in Basic Physics Practicum

This research is based on the problem where practical activities in the Basic Physics Practicum course can no longer be carried out optimally due to changes in the learning model from face-to-face (offline) to online (online) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to develop a virtual physics laboratory as a medium in carrying out practical activities and to analyze the feasibility of the product through the validation results of experts and the results of product trials on prospective users. This type of research is Research & Development with ADDIE development model. The subjects of this study were 12 lecturers and 47 students of the STKIP Citra Bakti science education study program. Data collection techniques using validation sheets and questionnaires. The data collection instruments are in the form of validation assessment sheets and response questionnaires of prospective users. The data from this study were analyzed qualitatively descriptive to decide the feasibility of the product being developed. The results of the research showed that the average validation score of the material expert was 4.63, the media expert was 4.41, the learning design expert was 4.30, and the linguist was 4.51. The validation results of the four validators are in the very good category. Meanwhile, the results of product trials to lecturers and students as potential users are in the very good category with an average score of 4.53 and 4.57, respectively. Based on these data, this virtual physics laboratory product with real world problems based on Ngada local wisdom is recommended to be applied to the Basic Physics Practicum course and to help students in their independent practicum activities.

Simple device for spectroscopy laboratory exercises

Undergraduate physics laboratory exercises are very important in shaping students’ attitude to science, especially for future teachers. Recently, it is necessary to look for ways to easily create large quantities of experimental sets, not only for institutional use, but also for sets that can be produced in large quantities and distributed for use in distance learning. In this paper, we briefly describe the various ways to support the teaching of wave optics, and then describe one of the possible methods for performing undergraduate spectroscopic measurements using a 3D printed spectroscope and light source.