Training and assessment of experimental competencies from a distance: Optical spectrometry via the Internet

Assessment of experimental competencies is not yet well established. We just began an empirical pilot study, too. This study aims to examine if secondary school students may successfully use a predefined remote lab activity to introduce themselves to atomic physics. The analysis of spectra is a fundamental component for the understanding of wave optics and color perception. Hence, every student should have the opportunity to conduct own optical emission experiments. Since spectrometers are expensive and an accurate calibration is necessary to achieve energy distribution spectra of high quality, we developed a remotely controlled laboratory. We evaluated the experimental set-up and the accompanying worksheet with groups of two to four students in a laboratory condition. Additionally, the emerged learning material was brought to school and tested as a homework activity with 9.-graders replacing the regular introduction to atomic physics. The results show that the experiment presented here can be used by ninth grade students and is useful in connection with the created material for the self-regulated introduction to atomic physics in the context of homework.