Resources Students Use to Understand Quantum Mechanical Operators Documents

Main Document

Resources Students Use to Understand Quantum Mechanical Operators 

written by Elizabeth Gire and Corinne A. Manogue

The Paradigms team at Oregon State University has developed a quantum mechanics curriculum aimed at middle division students that begins with a strong emphasis on using operators, matrices and Dirac notation to describe quantum systems. The curriculum begins with spin systems, and this content ordering relies on students being able to understand quantum mechanical operators, eigenstates and quantum measurement without prior instruction on wave functions. We have analyzed classroom and an interview video to identify resources students use when considering these quantum ideas. Identification of such resources will inform introductory curricula that are prerequisite to the quantum Paradigms and inform the development of Paradigms materials that will guide students to use these resources productively.

Published October 20, 2008
Last Modified May 21, 2009

This file is included in the full-text index.
This file has previous versions.