The QuVis Quantum Mechanics Visualization project aims to address challenges of quantum mechanics instruction through the development of interactive simulations for the learning and teaching of quantum mechanics. In this article, we describe the evaluation of simulations focusing on two-level systems developed as part of the Institute of Physics Quantum Physics resources. Simulations are research-based and have been iteratively refined using student feedback in individual observation sessions and in-class trials. We give evidence that these simulations are helping students learn quantum mechanics concepts at both the introductory and advanced undergraduate level, and that students perceive simulations to be beneficial to their learning.
References
1.
D. F.
Styer
, “Common misconceptions regarding quantum mechanics
,” Am. J. Phys.
64
(1
), 31
–34
(1996
).2.
I. D.
Johnston
, K.
Crawford
, and P. R.
Fletcher
, “Student difficulties in learning quantum mechanics
,” Int. J. Sci. Educ.
20
(4
), 427
–446
(1998
).3.
S.
Vokos
, P. S.
Shaffer
, B. S.
Ambrose
, and L. C.
McDermott
, “Student understanding of the wave nature of matter: Diffraction and interference of particles
,” Am. J. Phys.
68
(S1
), S42
–S51
(2000
).4.
G.
Ireson
, “The quantum understanding of pre-university physics students
,” Phys. Educ.
35
(1
), 15
–21
(2000
).5.
C.
Singh
, “Student understanding of quantum mechanics
,” Am. J. Phys.
69
(8
), 885
–896
(2001
).6.
M.
Wittmann
, R.
Steinberg
, and E.
Redish
, “Investigating student understanding of quantum physics: Spontaneous models of conductivity
,” Am. J. Phys.
70
(3
), 218
–226
(2002
).7.
L.
Bao
and E. F.
Redish
, “Understanding probabilistic interpretations of physical systems: A prerequisite to learning quantum physics
,” Am. J. Phys.
70
(3
), 210
–217
(2002
).8.
E.
Cataloglu
and R. W.
Robinett
, “Testing the development of student conceptual and visualization understanding in quantum mechanics through the undergraduate career
,” Am. J. Phys.
70
(3
), 238
–251
(2002
).9.
D.
Domert
, C.
Linder
, and A.
Ingerman
, “Probability as a conceptual hurdle to understanding one-dimensional quantum scattering and tunnelling
,” Eur. J. Phys.
26
, 47
–59
(2005
).10.
Michael C.
Wittmann
, Jeffrey T.
Morgan
, and Lei
Bao
, “Addressing student models of energy loss in quantum tunnelling
,” Eur. J. Phys.
26
(6
), 939
–950
(2005
).11.
C.
Singh
, “Student understanding of quantum mechanics at the beginning of graduate instruction
,” Am. J. Phys.
76
(3
), 277
–287
(2008
).12.
S. B.
McKagan
, K. K.
Perkins
, and C. E.
Wieman
, “Deeper look at student learning of quantum mechanics: The case of tunneling
,” Phys. Rev. ST Phys. Educ. Res.
4
(2
), 020103-1–18
(2008
).13.
A.
Mason
and C.
Singh
, “Do advanced physics students learn from their mistakes without explicit intervention?
” Am. J. Phys.
78
(7
), 760
–767
(2010
).14.
G.
Zhu
and C.
Singh
, “Improving students' understanding of quantum measurement. I. Investigation of difficulties
,” Phys. Rev. ST Phys. Educ. Res.
8
(1
), 010117-1–8
(2012
).15.
G.
Zhu
and C.
Singh
, “Improving student understanding of addition of angular momentum in quantum mechanics
,” Phys. Rev. ST Phys. Educ. Res.
9
(1
) 010101-1–12
(2013
).16.
C.
Baily
and N. D.
Finkelstein
, “Teaching and understanding of quantum interpretations in modern physics courses
,” Phys. Rev. ST Phys. Educ. Res.
6
(1
) 010101-1–11
(2010
).17.
M.
Michelini
, R.
Ragazzon
, L.
Santi
, and A.
Stefanel
, “Proposal for quantum physics in secondary school
,” Phys. Educ.
35
(6
), 406
–410
(2000
).18.
V.
Scarani
, L.
Chua
, and S. Y.
Liu
, Six Quantum Pieces: A First Course In Quantum Physics
(World Scientific Publishing
, Singapore
, 2010
).19.
20.
A.
Kohnle
et al., “A new introductory quantum mechanics curriculum
,” Eur. J. Phys.
35
(1
), 015001-1–9
(2014
).21.
M.
Malgieri
, P.
Onorato
, and A.
De Ambrosis
, “Teaching quantum physics by the sum over paths approach and GeoGebra simulations
,” Eur. J. Phys.
35
(5
), 055024-1–21
(2014
).22.
A.
Kohnle
et al., “A new multimedia resource for teaching quantum mechanics concepts
,” Am. J. Phys.
80
(2
), 148
–153
(2012
).23.
W. K.
Adams
et al., “A Study of Educational Simulations Part I—Engagement and Learning
,” J. Inter. Learn. Res.
19
(3
), 397
–419
(2008
). Available at http://www.editlib.org/p/24230/.24.
W. K.
Adams
et al., “A Study of Educational Simulations Part II—Interface Design
,” J. Inter. Learn. Res.
19
(4
), 551
–577
(2008
). Available at http://www.editlib.org/p/24364/.25.
S. B.
McKagan
et al., “Developing and researching PhET simulations for teaching quantum mechanics
,” Am. J. Phys.
76
(4&5
), 406
–417
(2008
); <http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/physics/quantum-phenomena>.26.
R. C.
Clark
and R. E.
Mayer
, E-Learning and the Science of Instruction
(John Wiley
, San Francisco
, 2011
).27.
N. S.
Podolefsky
, K. K.
Perkins
, and W. K.
Adams
, “Factors promoting engaged exploration with computer simulations
,” Phys. Rev. ST Phys. Educ. Res.
6
(2
), 020117-1–11
(2010
).28.
D.
Zollman
, S.
Rebello
, and K.
Hogg
, “Quantum physics for everyone: Hands-on activities integrated with technology
,” Am. J. Phys.
70
(3
), 252
–259
(2002
).29.
M.
Belloni
, W.
Christian
, and A. J.
Cox
, Physlet Quantum Physics: An Interactive Introduction
(Pearson Prentice-Hall
, Upper Saddle River, NJ
, 2006
).30.
C.
Singh
, “Interactive learning tutorials on quantum mechanics
,” Am. J. Phys.
76
(4
), 400
–405
(2008
).32.
A.
Kohnle
, C.
Baily
, and S.
Ruby
, “Investigating the influence of visualization on student understanding of quantum superposition
,” in 2014 PERC Proceedings
, edited by P. V.
Engelhardt
, A. D.
Churukian
, and D. L.
Jones
, Minneapolis, MN, July 30–31, 2014.33.
A.
Kohnle
, C.
Baily
, C.
Hooley
, and B.
Torrance
, “Optimization of simulations and activities for a new introductory quantum mechanics curriculum
,” in 2013 PERC Proceedings
, edited by P. V.
Engelhardt
, A. D.
Churukian
, and D. L.
Jones
, Portland, OR, July 17–18, 2013, pp. 209
–212
.© 2015 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2015
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.
