Development of a laboratory manual in physics for laboratories with minimal equipment resources

• Main Author: Hitalia, Aldrina A.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1984
• Subjects: Physics > Laboratory manuals; Curriculum and Instruction; Physics
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/1040
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study aims to develop a laboratory manual in physics, particularly mechanics, for students enrolled in college physics. Through the manual, this study attempts to show that a college introductory physics laboratory need not be expensive for it to be interesting and worthwhile. The manual contains 10 experiments in Mechanics. The main features of the experiments are: (1) the apparatus and/or equipment suggested in the experiments are relatively simple, inexpensive, and readily obtainable (2) the objectives of the experiments are not confined to the verification of laws and principles (3) explicit instructions are reduced to only the very essential and (4) the presentation of the experiments have a certain flavor of appeal to the students. The experiments included in the manual are as follows : 1. Forces as Vectors 2. Parallel Forces and Moments 3. Graphical Analysis of Motion 4. Friction 5. Acceleration of Falling Bodies 6. Force and Motion 7. Motion of a Projectile 8. Motion in a Circle 9. Energy Transformation and Conservation 10. Conservation of Linear Momentum. Some of the benefits of the study are as follows : (1) The operational expenses of the laboratory are much reduced since there are no expensive equipment. (2) Equipment needs are relatively simple. (3) Students will be motivated to do good work in the laboratory. (4) Students will have the opportunity to develop and acquire certain skills and abilities which the lecture class cannot provide.