An empirical study on a learning path on wave physics focused on energy

Abstract

We describe an extracurricular learning path on waves focused on energy transfer. The advantages of introducing mechanical waves by using the Shive wave machine and laboratory activities are presented. Laboratories are realized by inquiry, i.e. students explore waves behavior in qualitative way, guess what can happen and suddenly test their hypothesis. Recently, we presented some disciplinary knots that arise usually in empirical investigation, according to the Model of Educational Reconstruction and discussed methodological choices made in designing the learning path and preliminary result about its realization with few, interested and talented pupils. We report the second year of this learning path performed with the same students that are introduced to more complex topics such as analogy in wave phenomena and resonance. Laboratories are described with particular attention for the energy transformation. We designed the activities in order to propose a complementary experience compared to what was done in class. Despite resonance is a relevant phenomenon which runs through almost every branch of physics, many students have never studied it. Yet, resonance is one of the most striking and unexpected phenomenon in all physics and it easy to observe but difficult to understand. Students performed activities in laboratory on several resonant systems. Our purpose was to outline how it is possible to tune a system or a device in order to obtain resonance and an efficient energy transfer from different physical systems, such as a mechanical one and an electrical one. This year, the final task was to analyze different natural phenomena in order of choosing one suitable for energy transfer. We present our considerations on the students' learning process and on the possibility of extend a similar path in a classroom.