(Luke McDermott for ALS 6015 on April 20, 2013) CHEM 3890

Quantum Community Presentation

As a community of chemists, we create a community of truth. We invite diversity, ambiguity, and creative conflict, but all in the pursuit of greater honesty and humility in light of greater truth. When we meet in the classroom, we meet to discuss the truths of chemistry and our natural world. In solving problems, we uncover the truth of the given system. But this community of truth in chemistry did not start when the semester started. Instead, we are part of a larger community that is seeking greater truth in chemistry and life. This assignment asks you to form a group and explore the context of how one part of quantum mechanics developed. The purpose is to bring you into the historical and modern community of scientists. When scientists discuss science, they always discuss it in the context of other scientists whose work allows and necessitates current work. To give you a taste of this scientific community, you are tasked with discussing a person or persons significant in the development of quantum mechanics and how his work affects modern science. You will be assigned to a group of six students. You will choose an important scientist or scientists in quantum mechanics (the choice will be approved by me). Each of you will write a short (2 page) report on the scientist(s). Then you will make a 20-minute presentation including his or her or their most significant work. As this assignment is about community, you are encouraged to levy your strengths and weaknesses as a group. You have 20 minutes to fill in whatever way will teach your fellow students most effectively. Be creative; write a skit. Or make a movie. Or be very technical and describe the effects of this scientist on our homework. It is your chance to be the teacher for a day. They should expect to learn something from your presentation, so test their understanding at the end of the presentation (by Learning Catalytics, quiz, vote, or whatever creative solution you can think of). Possible scientists: Boltzmann, Maxwell, Hertz, Rydberg, Rntgen, Curie, Rutherford, Planck, Lewis, Einstein, Rutherford, Taylor, Millikan, Bohr, Stern, Gerlach, de Broglie, Bose, Pauli, Hund, Heisenberg, Fermi, Dirac, Schrdinger, Neumann, Born, Raman, and more modern scientists of your choice. For ideas, look at Nobel Prize winners in Physics and Chemistry. As written in the introduction, this presentation is not only about mathematical or scientific content; it is about community. You are expected to connect your presentations scientist(s) with the scientific community past, present, and future. You are also expected to work together in your group and work for the benefit of your classmates learning. Both the report and the presentation will be graded on the attached rubric. Please read carefully.

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Rubric for Quantum Community Presentations

1. Accuracy 2. Connection to extant scientific context 3. Impact on modern quantum mechanics Needs Work (1) Many factual errors Many scientists influential to subject are not mentioned The effect of the scientist(s) on the quantum mechanics community is shown Has Potential (2) Few factual errors Some influential scientists are missed The effect of the scientist(s) on the quantum mechanics community is shown in detail Math shown and explained cursorily Displays Basic organization The assessment tested basic memory of the presentation Presentation was mostly effective The class thinks your group taught something they will remember for more than a week Your group thinks you contributed adequately You expect your group to score many 2s in the first 7 rows Excellent (3) Two or less errors Clear connection to other contemporary and past scientists The effect of the scientist(s) on the quantum mechanics community is shown to connect to CHEM 3890 Development of mathematical results clear and useful Very well organized and thought-out The assessment called on students to apply the information in the presentation Presentation was smooth and focused The class thinks your group taught something they will remember after the semester ends Your group thinks you contributed equally to other members You expect your group to score many 2s in the first 7 rows

4. Mathematical depth

Math shown but not explained Lacks clear organization The assessment did not match the main focus of the presentation Presentation was understandable The class in average thinks your group did not teach anything they will remember next week Your group thinks you contributed far less than expected You expect your group to score many 1s in the first 7 rows

5. Organization 6. Class Assessment tool (presentation only)

7. Presentation Quality (presentation only) 8. Class opinion of your presentation (presentation only)

9. Group opinion of your contribution 10. Self Assessment