TIMS Laboratory Investigations

TIMS Tutors

These instructional lessons provide conceptual background on the basic topics covered in the TIMS laboratory investigations. Each tutor focuses on the techniques and fundamental variables integral to the TIMS program. They provide introductory material and serve as a reference for teachers using TIMS.
  1. Basic Qualitative Foundations
    (ISBN 0-7872-3965-8): A fundamental idea of TIMS is that science deals with variables. Variable identification is a key first step in any scientific inquiry.
  2. Basic Quantitative Foundations
    (ISBN 0-7872-3966-6): Basic techniques of quantitative data analysis are described in detail, including an introduction to variables in an experimental setting, managing experimental error, graphing techniques, and interpreting graphs.
  3. The Concept of Length
    (ISBN 0-7872-3967-4): Length is a model for many other variables, so many basic ideas of TIMS are introduced here.
  4. The Concept of Area
    (ISBN 0-7872-3968-2): Techniques for measuring area and the nonlinearity of some area investigations are discussed.
  5. The Concept of Volume
    (ISBN 0-7872-3969-0): Determination of volume by displacement as well as by other measurement techniques is discussed.
  6. The Concept of Mass
    (ISBN 0-7872-3970-4): Definitions of mass and the use of the equal arm balance are discussed.
  7. Averages
    (ISBN 0-7872-3971-2): This tutor explores various averages, including the mean and the median (the “eyeball average”). Classroom tips for teaching various averages are included.
  8. Simple Proportional Reasoning
    (ISBN 0-7872-3972-0): TIMS investigations provide a context for students to use proportional reasoning in a concrete setting. This document focuses on simple proportional reasoning as a powerful technique for mathematical analysis of experimental data.
  9. Straightening Out the Curve
    (ISBN 0-7872-3973-9): Some TIMS investigations explore nonlinear data. This tutor discusses the mathematical foundations for dealing with data that is not directly amenable to simple proportional reasoning.
  10. The Concept of Velocity
    (ISBN 0-7872-3974-7): Velocity is a compound variable, the ratio of distance to time. As such it requires a new level of understanding.
  11. The Concept of Force
    (ISBN 0-7872-3975-5): An operational definition of force is given, free body diagrams are introduced, and the use of the force gauge is discussed.
  12. The Concept of Inertia
    (ISBN 0-7872-3976-3): Aristotle’s, Galileo’s, and Newton’s understandings of motion and its cause are discussed. The common misconception that force and motion are related as cause and effect is debunked.
  13. The Concept of Work
    (ISBN 0-7872-3977-1): The mechanical definition of work is given, and the meaning of the concept is explored.
  14. Balanced Forces: Newton’s First Law
    (ISBN 0-7872-3978-X): A body will not change its motion if the sum of the forces acting on it is zero. The algebra of balanced forces is discussed.
  15. Functions
    (ISBN 0-7872-3979-8): Various ways to think about functions are discussed, including table formulas, rules, graphs, and function machines. The unifying power of the concept of a function is stressed.

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Copyright © 1999 Institute for Mathematics and Science Education. All rights reserved.
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