Publication Date
8-2014
Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)
6-13-2014
Type of Culminating Activity
Thesis
Degree Title
Master of Science in S.T.E.M. Education
Department
Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies
Major Advisor
Laurie O. Cavey, Ph.D.
Advisor
Daryl J. Macomb, Ph.D.
Advisor
Louis S. Nadelson, Ph.D.
Abstract
The rubber sheet analogy for Einstein’s General Relativity model of gravity is a popular way to visualize the effect mass has on the curvature of spacetime. My single group, quasi-experimental study with repeated measures was designed to assess the effectiveness of the rubber sheet analogy in teaching gravitational fields. I developed instructional materials, including a hands-on lab, to engage university students in thinking about gravity using the rubber sheet analogy. Previous research on students’ ideas about gravity informed the development of the pre/post-test. My work is an important first step in establishing a standard assessment on gravity.
Approximately 97 students in a university-level conceptual physics course participated. The results are promising. Normalized gains for students were about 30%. Post-test scores indicate improvement in student recognition of factors that do and do not influence gravity. There were significant differences in student performance for two demographic categories (sex and age).
Recommended Citation
Watkins, Tiffany Rae, "Gravity & Einstein: Assessing the Rubber Sheet Analogy in Undergraduate Conceptual Physics" (2014). Boise State University Theses and Dissertations. 862.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/td/862