| The purpose of the project described in this document was to study the effectiveness of an innovative sequence of activities, laboratory exercises, and assessments developed for use in a high school physics class study of electricity. The goals of this unit were twofold: (1) Students would be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the properties of electricity. (2) Students would be able to construct and design devices using the materials and methods practiced in the laboratory.;Students were given a pretest to determine their understanding of electricity concepts based on Michigan Essential Goals and Objectives in Science Education. The unit incorporated laboratory activities and new assessments developed at Michigan State University. Data were collected on student surveys and tests before beginning the unit and upon completion of the unit. Student homework responses and laboratory write-ups were also collected and analyzed. Success was measured as an increase in understanding as shown in laboratory performance and laboratory reports as well as classroom assessments, including a posttest. |
