Physics Alive is the podcast where host, Brad Moser, Ph.D., sparks new life into the physics classroom. Each episode supports and shares the many forward-thinking developments that have come from physics education research and inspiring educators. Brad speaks with teachers who employ innovative and active learning styles, researchers on the frontiers of physics education, catalysts for change on important social issues in the STEM community, and students who want the most out of their education.
https://physicsalive.com
episode 43: Diffraction of DNA and the DNA of my Physics Class
In this episode, I talk about DNA: a simple DNA diffraction and interference experiment using the spring from a pen, and the DNA, the structure of my introductory physics class during the spring '22 semester.
Full show notes at:
www.physicsalive.com/dna
DNA Diffraction and Interference Lab and/or Demonstration
Figure 1: X-ray diffraction pattern of B-DNA labeled Photo 51 by Rosalind Franklin.
Figure 2: Interference pattern from a pen spring. Pattern produced from a red diode laser passing through the spring from a pen. Projected on a screen 8 meters away.
Here are the articles I referenced about DNA interference and diffraction experiments:
- DNA Science AAPT Digi Kit
- How Rosalind Franklin Discovered the Helical Structure of DNA: Experiments in Diffraction
-
Revealing the Backbone Structure of B-DNA from Laser Optical Simulations of Its X-ray Diffraction Diagram
X-ray diffraction and DNA optical transform from the ICE (Institute for Chemical Education) Online store at wisc.edu
- Optical transform demo kit
- DNA optical transform kit
DNA of Brad's introductory physics class (Spring 2022)
Star grading system:
Here's the entire syllabus for the spring 2022 semester of PHYS 105: Survey of Physics II for life science majors:
- Moser Syllabus 2022 Spring
Specifications grading:
- "Specifications Grading" by Linda Nilson
- Short article about Specs Grading by Linda Nilson
- Blog post on Specifications Grading by Robert Talbert