Nine optical black-box experiments for lower-secondary students

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Authors

  • Henning Rode
  • Gunnar Friege

External Research Organisations

  • Gymnasium Bad Nenndorf
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Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number035009
JournalPhysics Education
Volume52
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 30 Mar 2017

Abstract

In this paper a sequence of nine, easy to manufacture optical black-box experiments with increasing levels of difficulty, and supportive frameworks for physics classes are introduced. They have been evaluated in a lower-secondary school at the end of optics lessons. A black-box is a kind of experimental task where the inner structure is not visible to the experimenter. Using mirrors, beam-splitters, and blockers in a black-box to manipulate the light beam's direction through this specific experiment, students are instructed to vary input and observe the output of light to get an idea of the possible inner structure. The presented sequence of black-box experiments requires a basic knowledge of the linear propagation of light and is suitable for beginner physics. Furthermore a framework for concrete implementation to physics classes is given, which covers suitable structure of class, examples for helpful worksheets, and authentic students' solutions. The difficulty of the specific black-box experiments is given by the students' success within observing input-output correlation and conclusion of an inner structure. The experiments' implementation to physics classes may cover elaboration, practice, and aspects of the nature of science even in a beginner's class. Evaluation has been conducted with students of young age (11-12 years old), however they are suitable for older students also. Although dealing with a time extensive sequence of experiments, students showed a high level of motivation throughout. Overall, implementing this sequence of black-box experiments is seen as valuable and helpful for physics classes.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Cite this

Nine optical black-box experiments for lower-secondary students. / Rode, Henning; Friege, Gunnar.
In: Physics Education, Vol. 52, No. 3, 035009, 30.03.2017.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Rode, H & Friege, G 2017, 'Nine optical black-box experiments for lower-secondary students', Physics Education, vol. 52, no. 3, 035009. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/aa62eb
Rode, H., & Friege, G. (2017). Nine optical black-box experiments for lower-secondary students. Physics Education, 52(3), Article 035009. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/aa62eb
Rode H, Friege G. Nine optical black-box experiments for lower-secondary students. Physics Education. 2017 Mar 30;52(3):035009. doi: 10.1088/1361-6552/aa62eb
Rode, Henning ; Friege, Gunnar. / Nine optical black-box experiments for lower-secondary students. In: Physics Education. 2017 ; Vol. 52, No. 3.
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