In this paper we present in a theoretical, historical and practical way the inclusion of gravitational waves in the teaching of physics. Through the explanation of the theme through debates and experimental practices in the classroom, we discuss the presence of Modern and Contemporary Physics (MCP) in High School, presenting positive points and showing above all that students have the ability to assimilate modern physical concepts and relate them with their day by day and also to discuss the barriers to this inclusion in teaching of physics. In addition to the introductory theoretical presentation of gravitational waves, the following work also raises the important question of classroom experimental practice, building a low-cost Michelson-Morley interferometer, using it as a comparison to the LIGO (Laser Interferometer for Gravitational Waves Observatory) detector detector and basing even more so is the evidence of gravitational waves for students in class. With all this theoretical and experimental construction of gravitational waves, the work presents indicators and fundamental data for this inclusion in order to improve the teaching of physics in basic education.
This article describes a set of curriculum modifications designed to integrate gravitational-wave science into a high school physics or astronomy curriculum. Gravitational-wave scientists are on the verge of being able to detect extreme cosmic events, like the merger of two black holes, happening hundreds of millions of light years away. Their work has the potential to propel astronomy into a new era by providing an entirely new means of observing astronomical phenomena. Gravitational-wave science encompasses astrophysics, physics, engineering, and quantum optics. As a result, this curriculum …
The decline in student interest in science and technology is a major concern in the western world. One approach to reversing this decline is to introduce modern physics concepts much earlier in the school curriculum. We have used the context of the recent discoveries of gravitational waves to test benefits of one-day interventions, in which students are introduced to the ongoing nature of scientific discovery, as well as the fundamental concepts of quantum physics and gravitation, which underpin these discoveries. Our innovative approach combines role-playing, model demonstrations, single phot…
Teaching modern physics in high school is of increasingly importance as it can offer students a more realistic and updated vision of the world, and can provide an opportunity to understand the most recent scientific discoveries. In this context, General Relativity (GR) occupies a prominent place, since it is related to astonishing scientific results, such as the first image of a black hole or the discovery of gravitational waves. In this paper we describe an educational proposal aimed at teaching GR in high school in a fun and playful way using the so-called rubber sheet analogy. We present a …
Interpreting experimental data in high school experiments can be a difficult task for students, especially when there is large variation in the data. At the same time, calculating the standard deviation poses a challenge for students. In this article, we look at alternative uncertainty measures to describe the variation in data sets. A comparison is done in terms of mathematical complexity and statistical quality. The determination of mathematical complexity is based on different mathematics curricula. The statistical quality is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation in which these uncertai…
Since 2017 the Italian Space Agency (ASI) participates to so-called "Alternanza Scuola-Lavoro" (i.e., "school-work synergy") outreach projects promoted by the Italian government, and the ASI Space Science Data Center (SSDC) actively contributes to them, with the primary aim of bringing students closer to space-related activities before choosing their university studies. The SSDC outreach program is split into two parts: one theoretical, in which relevant topic are presented and explained, and one practical, consisting of hands-on activities aimed to replicate scientific analysis of real space …
To increase public awareness of theoretical materials physics, a small group of high school students is invited to participate actively in a current research projects at Chalmers University of Technology. The Chalmers research group explores methods for filtrating hazardous and otherwise unwanted molecules from drinking water, for example by adsorption in active carbon filters. In this project, the students use graphene as an idealized model for active carbon, and estimate the energy of adsorption of the methylbenzene toluene on graphene with the help of the atomic-scale calculational method d…
One of the difficulties related to the COVID-19 pandemic is the shifting from face-to-face to distance teaching. Both schools and universities had suddenly to organize on-line lectures. To perform laboratory practice even in this period, easily accessible materials, smartphones physics apps, on-line tools and devices can be used. In this paper a method to measure the gravitational acceleration studying the free falling body using Arduino board is presented.
The COVID-19 impacted the teaching; indeed, both schools and universities had to shift from face-to-face to distance teaching organizing on-line lectures. Thanks to easily accessible materials, smartphones physics apps, on-line toolsand devices, it's possible to perform laboratory practice even in this period. In this paper, a method to measure the gravitational acceleration by oscillation of a simple pendulum, using Arduino board, is presented.
Quantum computing was once regarded as a mere theoretical possibility, but recent advances in engineering and materials science have brought practical quantum computers closer to reality. Currently, representatives from industry, academia, and governments across the world are working to build the educational structures needed to produce the quantum workforce of the future. Less attention has been paid to growing quantum computing capacity at the high school level. This article details work at The University of Texas at Austin to develop and pilot the first full-year high school quantum computi…
The "High school class for students with special abilities in physics" was founded in Nis, Serbia (http://tesla.pmf.ni.ac.rs/f_odeljenje/) in 2003. The basic aim of this project has been introducing a broadened curriculum of physics, mathematics, computer science, as well as chemistry and biology. Now, eight years after establishing of this specialized class, we present analyses of the pupils' skills in solving rather problem oriented test, as PISA test, and compare their results with the results of pupils who study under standard curricula. Also, an external evaluation conducted more recently…
We outline an unified introduction to the evolution equations of classical and quantum systems intended for a high school students audience. The attempt consists in circumventing the lack of mathematical knowledge with the use of simplified forms of numerical analysis. The aim is to allow students to approach theoretical features as well as computational aspects of the evolution equations. In particular, the possibility to compute and analyze approximate solutions of the dynamical laws of classical, stochastic and quantum mechanics enables to highlight the distinctive role played by probabilit…
This review presents an overview of various kinds of models -- physical, abstract, mathematical, visual -- that can be used to present the concepts and applications of Einstein's general theory of relativity at the level of undergraduate and even high-school teaching. After a general introduction dealing with various kinds of models and their properties, specific areas of general relativity are addressed: the elastic sheet model and other models for the fundamental geometric properties of gravity, models for black holes including the river model, cosmological models for an expanding universe, …
