Traditional ‘chalk-and-talk’ teaching, copying notes and ‘cookbook’ practical lessons have offered little challenge or excitement - from Health of Australian Science, May 2012.
This view, expressed in the 'Health of Australian Science' report by Australia’s Chief Scientist, finds oblique affirmation in the Australian Curriculum: Science[1][1] and the recently published Science Threshold Learning Outcomes[2][2]. These documents bring particular emphasis to the processes of scientific inquiry, leading naturally to the instructional strategies described in the Chief Scientist’s report being eschewed. This presentation explores the benefits to student learning of developing and embedding scientific inquiry into the science curriculum and brings a focus to the challenges of assessing the attendant learning outcomes.
Electrochromic tungsten oxide thin films produced by dip-coating from a sol-gel solution are of interest for large area electrochromic window applications. The influence of the sol-gel formulation and the subsequent processing of the film required to produce uniform WO3 films are discussed together with the effects of the dipping and processing parameters on the structure, optical properties, and electrochemical behavior of the films. The electrochemical behavior of the films has been studied using cyclic voltammetry. Electrolyte solutions, with different cations for insertion into the WO3 layers, have been used in this work, and the resultant coloration of the films studied using spectrophotometry. Both colored and uncolored films have been studied using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sol-gel processing steps are shown to have a significant influence on the film microstructure and therefore the electrochemical coloration behavior of the films, as well as the lifetime of the film under repeated cycling. Results are shown illustrating the coloration behavior of the films, and the transmittance of the films over the visible and near-infrared spectra. WO3 films approximately 0.15 micrometers thick are highly transparent and color quite uniformly, although the process is not completely reversible. There is evidence from the auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and RBS data that there is residual carbon in the films after conventional processing. Some progress has been made toward examination of the effect of this carbon on both coloration efficiency and long-term switching life of prototype devices.
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Responding to the developments of the past twenty years, Les Kirkup has thoroughly updated his popular book on experimental methods, while retaining the extensive coverage and practical advice from the first edition. Many topics from that edition remain, including keeping a record of work, how to deal with measurement uncertainties, understanding the statistical basis of data analysis and reporting the results of experiments. However, with new technologies influencing how experiments are devised, carried out, analyzed, presented and reported, this new edition reflects the digital changes which have taken place and the increased emphasis on the importance of communication skills in reporting results. Bringing together key elements of experimental methods into one coherent book, it is perfect for students seeking guidance with their experimental work, including how to acquire, analyse and present data. Exercises, worked examples and end-of-chapter problems are provided throughout the book to reinforce fundamental principles.
Errors in data are a part of life for experimenters in science and engineering. This chapter considers the types of errors, including random and systematic error that can occur during an experiment and methods by which uncertainties arising from such errors can be combined. Many worked examples are included in this chapter, as well as exercises for the student to complete
This chapter considers the application of computers to data gathering. Computers play a key role in data gathering as well as the analysis and presentation of data derived from experiments. An appreciation of the power and limitations of computers used in this context requires some familiarity with the performance and characteristics of transducers, signal conditioning circuits, and DAQ software. Several options for data gathering are explored, including plug and play systems, the Arduino microcontroller, and smartphones that utilise their on-board sensors.
In this paper we describe findings from the literature on cross-disciplinary teaching of mathematics to undergraduates, as part of a review of cross-faculty teaching of science subjects at the University of Technology, Sydney. Disciplinary differences in teaching styles can inform difficulties faced by engineering and business students. The necessity for varied teaching approaches was illuminated by differences in learning styles among students. For mathematics, a common theme is optimising presentation to engineering students, with general agreement on the need for relevance; a concept which is also raised regarding teaching statistics to business students. Innovations include the development of courses based on interdisciplinary teaching approaches, with discussions focusing on course revisions.
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