PHYC 2AL: Intro to Physics Laboratory
Stage 5
Jill Johnsen
Basic Information
| Number of Outcomes | 5 |
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| Number of Outcomes Assessed | 3 |
| Assessment Frequency | Every semester |
| Analysis Frequency | Every semester |
| Detail Link | Link |
Course Information
| Number of Course Sections | 7 |
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| Number of Instructors | 5 |
Assessment Methods
| Methods | Three questions were included on all instructors’ first exam to kick off our Fall 2013 SLO assessment. A micrometer caliper measurement, an uncertainty calculation and an assessment of a discrepancy test. The first question, measurement with the micrometer calipers, requires the student to report the value to the correct decimal place and the correct uncertainty provided the table of uncertainty values. For example: Use the micrometer calipers to measure the diameter of the cylinder. d = ________  ________ This question addresses SLO A: Use basic measuring tools, such as meter sticks, calipers, digital balances, and timers. And SLO B: Analyze real-world experimental data, including proper use of units and significant figures. The second question was an uncertainty calculation. For example: given x = 3.20 ± 0.42 cm and y = 12.4 ± 1.2 cm calculate b = 3y/x^2 along with its uncertainty. b = ________  ________ This question addresses SLO C: Calculate uncertainties for measured quantities and for quantities calculated by basic mathematical operations, and use these uncertainties to determine if experimental results agree with theory. And SLO B: Analyze real-world experimental data, including proper use of units and significant figures. And the third question was a discrepancy test. Fore: Does the value you obtained for the slope in part (b) agree with the accepted value of g = 9.799 ± 0.001m/s2? Explain using the discrepancy test. This question addresses SLO C: Calculate uncertainties for measured quantities and for quantities calculated by basic mathematical operations, and use these uncertainties to determine if experimental results agree with theory. Instructors were welcome to change the numbers or edit the questions to match their exam format. We developed a grading rubric on an excel spreadsheet to help us asses the SLO questions from Exam 1. |
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Future Plans
| Term | Spring 2014 |
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| Activities | Revision of outcomes and assessment methods (measurements), Assessment (measurement) of outcomes, Analysis and discussion of assessment data and next steps |
| Details | We plan to revise our assessment methods to assess the remaining 2 SLOs in Spring 2014 and analyze the results from our Fall 2013 assessment. |
| Highlights | No answer |