This book is the result of many years of experience of the authors in guiding physics projects. It aims to satisfy a deeply felt need to involve students and their instructors in extended experimental investigations of physical phenomena.
Over fifty extended projects are described in detail, at various levels of sophistication, aimed at both the advanced high school, as well as first and second year undergraduate physics students, and their instructors. Carrying out these projects may take anything from a few days to several weeks, and in some cases months. Each project description starts with a summary of theoretical background, proceeds to outline goals and possible avenues of exploration, suggests needed instrumentation, experimental setup and data analysis, and presents typical results which can serve as guidelines for the beginner researcher.
Separate parts are devoted to mechanics, electromagnetism, acoustics, optics, liquids, and thermal physics. An additional appendix suggests twenty further ideas for projects, giving a very brief description for each and providing references for pursuing them in detail. We also suggest a useful library of basic texts for each of the topics treated in the various parts.
Industry Reviews
`Gluck and Kings book is an engaging guide to imaginative and clever experimentation and an attractive alternative to virtual science. For lovers of hands on physics who want to connect students with real stuff, it's the right book at the right time'
Charles H. Holbrow, Colgate University
`This book is highly recommended as a source of great ideas for practical investigation not only in the transition from high school to university, but also throughout an undergraduate physics course'
John P. Cullerne, Housemaster and former Head of Physics at Winchester College
`A physics student's experience of Project Lab can color a lifetime of seeing the world. The success of that experience hinges on the thoughtful selection of a project. Physics Project Lab offers a tested menu of just-right project directions, clever setup tips, and theoretical perspective. It is a must-have resource for anyone involved in a physics project lab'
Michael Mermelstein, Ph.D. Chief Scientist at Umech Technologies
`This is a well written physics didactic book describing first the theory, then goals and possibilities and finally experimental suggestions in order to verify the theories for different laboratory projects. It can be used in physics courses at universities and some of the projects can even be conducted at high schools. I also think that others not involved directly in teaching will read this book with great interest'
Christer Johansson, Acreo Swedish ICT AB
