| Title: | Conceptual Understanding of Students After Using the Visual Quantum Mechanics Instructional Materials Mechanics Instructional Materials* |
| Meeting: | 117th AAPT National Meeting: Lincoln, NE |
| Location: | N/A |
| Date: | Thursday, August 6 |
| Time: | 9 a.m. |
| Author: |
N. Sanjay Rebello, Kansas
State Univ. 785-532-1633, srebello@phys.ksu.edu |
| Co-Author(s): | Dean A. Zollman |
| Abstract: | The Visual Quantum Mechanics (VQM) project teaches some basic ideas of quantum mechanics to high school and introductory college students by integrating hands-on activities and computer visualization, rather than higher level mathematics. We have field-tested these materials in high schools and colleges. During field tests of the materials we obtained data concerning student understanding of some quantum concepts including potential energy diagrams, energy levels and spectra in atoms, energy bands in solids, wave functions and probability, and quantum tunneling. Often we will compare student responses before and after they completed a specific section of the materials or used a specific computer program. Data were collected from written responses of students and structured interviews. The overall results indicate that although misconceptions may exist, students seem to have acquired a good general understanding of some important concepts that are traditionally not taught at the introductory level. |