A build-at-home student laboratory experiment in mechanical vibrations

Area of Science:

• Physics education
• Remote laboratory experiments
• Mechanical vibrations

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to online learning, posing challenges for practical laboratory components in university courses.
• Traditional laboratory experiences are difficult to replicate effectively in remote learning environments.
• There is a need for accessible, engaging, and educationally rich hands-on experiments suitable for remote delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a novel, hands-on laboratory experiment for remote student participation.
• To create an experiment with substantial educational content that can be safely conducted off-campus.
• To develop a "do-it-yourself" (DIY) apparatus using low-cost, readily available materials.

Main Methods:

• A bifilar pendulum apparatus was designed for students to construct themselves.
• The experiment focuses on the physical characteristics and vibrational behavior of the self-assembled bifilar pendulum.
• The design emphasizes safety, accessibility, and educational engagement for remote learners.

Main Results:

• The bifilar pendulum experiment was successfully designed for remote, hands-on learning.
• Students reported positive experiences, particularly appreciating the DIY construction aspect.
• The experiment demonstrated a rich set of physical characteristics suitable for multiple learning objectives.

Conclusions:

• The DIY bifilar pendulum experiment provides an effective solution for delivering practical physics education remotely.
• This approach enhances student engagement and learning outcomes in online settings.
• The experiment is a valuable pedagogical tool for both emergency remote teaching and future blended learning models.