Jones, Thomas J ORCID: 0000-0003-4981-5131 and Ehlers, Todd A ORCID: 0000-0001-9436-0303
(2021)
Using benchtop experiments to teach dimensional analysis and analogue modeling to graduate geoscience students.
Journal of Geoscience Education, 69 (3).
pp. 313-322.
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Abstract
The need for geoscience students to develop a quantitative skillset is ever increasing. However, this can be difficult to implement in university-style lecture courses in a way that is both manageable for the instructor and does not involve lengthy, potentially repetitive, question sheets for the students. Here, a method for teaching dimensional analysis, basic fluid dynamics, and the interpretation and scaling of experimental data is presented for a graduate student audience. The proposed method utilizes simple fluid dynamic benchtop experiments that require a small amount of teaching space and use readily available, low cost materials. Our analysis of student performance through pre- and post-tests demonstrates that students have a better knowledge of dimensional analysis, data interpretation and experimental design after the series of practical sessions compared to instruction through a single, passive lecture. We therefore show that simple benchtop experiments can be an effective way to improve and integrate quantitative learning into a graduate geoscience class.
Item Type: | Article |
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Divisions: | Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Environmental Sciences |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
Date Deposited: | 03 Mar 2022 16:44 |
Last Modified: | 18 Jan 2023 21:11 |
DOI: | 10.1080/10899995.2020.1855040 |
Related URLs: | |
URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3150039 |