Using Benchtop Experiments to Teach Dimensional Analysis and Analogue Modeling to Graduate Geoscience Students
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| Title: | Using Benchtop Experiments to Teach Dimensional Analysis and Analogue Modeling to Graduate Geoscience Students |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Jones, Thomas J. (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Geoscience Education. 2021 69(3):313-322. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 10 |
| Publication Date: | 2021 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Earth Science, Science Experiments, Graduate Students, College Science, Science Instruction, Statistical Analysis, Mechanics (Physics), Data Interpretation, Data Analysis, Foreign Countries, Instructional Effectiveness |
| Geographic Terms: | Germany |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10899995.2020.1855040 |
| ISSN: | 1089-9995 |
| Abstract: | The need for geoscience students to develop a quantitative skillset is ever increasing. However, this can be difficult to implement in university-style lecture courses in a way that is both manageable for the instructor and does not involve lengthy, potentially repetitive, question sheets for the students. Here, a method for teaching dimensional analysis, basic fluid dynamics, and the interpretation and scaling of experimental data is presented for a graduate student audience. The proposed method utilizes simple fluid dynamic benchtop experiments that require a small amount of teaching space and use readily available, low cost materials. Our analysis of student performance through pre- and post-tests demonstrates that students have a better knowledge of dimensional analysis, data interpretation and experimental design after the series of practical sessions compared to instruction through a single, passive lecture. We therefore show that simple benchtop experiments can be an effective way to improve and integrate quantitative learning into a graduate geoscience class. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2021 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1306242 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The need for geoscience students to develop a quantitative skillset is ever increasing. However, this can be difficult to implement in university-style lecture courses in a way that is both manageable for the instructor and does not involve lengthy, potentially repetitive, question sheets for the students. Here, a method for teaching dimensional analysis, basic fluid dynamics, and the interpretation and scaling of experimental data is presented for a graduate student audience. The proposed method utilizes simple fluid dynamic benchtop experiments that require a small amount of teaching space and use readily available, low cost materials. Our analysis of student performance through pre- and post-tests demonstrates that students have a better knowledge of dimensional analysis, data interpretation and experimental design after the series of practical sessions compared to instruction through a single, passive lecture. We therefore show that simple benchtop experiments can be an effective way to improve and integrate quantitative learning into a graduate geoscience class. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1089-9995 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10899995.2020.1855040 |
