Academic Technology

In Spring 2011, a new laboratory component of Physics 15a (Introductory Mechanics and Relativity), 15b (Introductory Electromagnetism), and 15c (Wave Phenomena) was begun under the name “Principles of Scientific Inquiry” (PSI). A three-semester sequence on the methodology of experimentation and modeling, PSI exemplifies the cyclic process of scientific inquiry.

The goal for this project was to provide students with a unified laboratory experience in PSI. The end result would be a central source from which all of the course documents would be distributed, and to which faculty and staff members could contribute content fluently as new ideas arose.

Under the supervision of the lab instructors and with the help of ATG staff, the PITF created a PSI wiki space that was first used by Physics 15c lab instructors in fall 2012. All three lecture courses then shared the wiki in the spring, allowing for a seamless progression through the sequence.

The PSI wiki is online at https://wiki.harvard.edu/confluence/display/k80495/Home.