Visual Quantum Mechanics
Research and development
The Visual Quantum Mechanics (VQM) materials were researched and developed by the Physics Education Research Group (PERG) at Kansas State University (KSU). About 175 teachers in 160 schools field-tested VQM. Conceptual assessments, observations and attitudinal surveys were used to assess learning and usability of the materials.
Results indicated that students learned the intended concepts and the software effectively facilitated students' model building processes (Escalada, 2001). Students and teachers attitudes towards VQM were very positive and the materials facilitated active learning in the classroom (Escalada et. al., 2004; Zollman et. al., 2002). The software programs developed for VQM have won five awards from the American Institute of Physics.
Instructional units
Comprehensive instructional units were developed to accompany the software programs. These written materials, including computer installable versions of these programs, are available from Ztek® Co.
- Sample instructional unit: Exploring Light Emission (PDF)
Publications and papers
- Escalada, L. T., Rebello, N. S., & Zollman, D. A. (2004). Student explorations of quantum effects in LEDs and luminescent devices, The Physics Teacher, 42, 173-179.
- Zollman, D. A., Rebello, N. S., & Hogg, K. (2002). Quantum mechanics for everyone: Hands-on activities integrated with technology, American Journal of Physics, 70, 252-259.
- Escalada, L. T. (2001). An investigation on the impact of implementing Visual Quantum Mechanics on student learning and student instructor beliefs. In S. Franklin, J. Marx, & K. Cummings Eds., Proceedings of the 2001 Physics Education Research Conference, National Physics Education Research Conference, pp. 21-24.
- Rebello, N. S., & Zollman, D. A. (1998). Conceptual Understanding of Students After Using the Visual Quantum Mechanics Instructional Materials. AAPT National Meeting, August 03-08, 1998, Lincoln, NE.
- Rebello, N. S., Cumaranatunge, C., Escalada, L. T., & Zollman, D. A. (1998). Simulating the spectra of light sources. Computers in Physics,12, 28-33.