Analyzing Concepts of Mechanical Wave Propagation Using Ubiquitous Devices

We propose a methodology to learn concepts of Physics while using ubiquitous devices to perform activities during lab sessions applied to engineering students. Conventional laboratory experiences are traditionally limited to a fixed infrastructure despite the availability of lower cost portable sensors that allow their use in novel learning environments. The proposed methodology for experimental setup and development allows students to have enough time to generate critical thinking and self-determined learning aspects. The methodology is applied to two experiments on the generation of mechanical, transverse and longitudinal waves and their relationship among frequency, geometry and characteristics of the medium. These experiments were carried out by engineering sophomores. We conclude that this new methodology improved students' competition, autonomy, and relatedness.