Table 1.

Experimental component of the gateway to physics modules

Purpose of lesson	Oscillations module	Free-fall module
1. Initial exposure to phenomenon	What is an oscillation of a spring? What role do springs play in oscillating systems?	Does the mass of an object influence its falling rate? The dispute between Aristotle and Galileo
2. Initial problematization of measurement	How to measure the period of oscillation of a mass on a spring when the motion fades?	Why does the mass of paper cups influence their rate of falling whereas the mass of clay balls does not?
3. Joint investigations: drawing conclusions despite measurement uncertainties	Students systematically investigate the influence of amplitude on the period of oscillation of the mass-spring system	Students systematically investigate the differences between falling rates of paper cups, while increasing their mass, and discover that the differences decrease with mass
4. Developing an evaluation rubric	Students were given an empty evaluation rubric and three fictitious student reports. They suggested categories, and differentiated between performances on each category.
5. Parallel open investigations	Students chose a research question related to the period of oscillation of a spring mass system (e.g., what happens when increasing the suspended mass), suggested hypotheses and built an experimental setup to test their hypotheses.	Students chose a research question related to falling motion (e.g., how does the diameter of a balloon influence its falling rate), suggested hypotheses and built an experimental setup to test their hypotheses
6. Peer evaluation	Students present their posters/presentations to their peers, and peers provide written or oral feedback based on the evaluation rubrics.