Pedagogical approach

• Instructor describes a demonstration to be done
• Students make predictions of what will happen (frequently by drawing a graph) on a handout
• Students discuss preditions with each other
• Instructor does the demonstration, results are displayed to students via projector
• Students copy down results, evaluate predictions in terms of results, and answer a few follow up questions

Implementation

• Single set up in center of room, on or in front of instructor station
• Two meter long track for demonstrations involving carts
• Usually involve computer data acquisition
• Project graphical results on screens
• More information

Relation to Laboratories

• Provide much the same role
• Use same general pedagogical approach
• Advantages relative to laboratories
• Less time spent on setting up (particularly more complex ones)
• Less equipment needed
• Can often cover material a little more rapidly
• Requires less effort from students
• Disadvantages relative to laboratories
• Students don't get hands-on experience
• Best group discussions about physics happen during labs
• Instructor has less opportunity for significant interaction with individual students or groups
• I try to have a balance