Study of Speeds of Collision in Traffic Accidents: Physics Modeling Competences and Soft-Skills Development

Rodrigo Cutri; Nair Stem; Octavio Mattasoglio Neto

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Conference: 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Baltimore , Maryland
Publication Date: June 25, 2023
Start Date: June 25, 2023
End Date: June 28, 2023
Conference Session: Using Computation and Modeling, Engineering Physics and Physics Division (EP2D) Technical Session 3
Tagged Division: Engineering Physics and Physics Division (EP2D)
Page Count: 14
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--44348
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/44348
Download Count: 130

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Paper Authors

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Rodrigo Cutri Mauá Institute of Technology, Brazil orcid.org/0000-0001-8143-8685

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Cutri holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Maua Institute of Technology (2001), MSc (2004) and Ph.D. (2007) in Electrical Engineering - University of São Paulo. He is currently Titular Professor of Maua Institute of Technology

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Nair Stem Mauá Institute of Technology, Brazil

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- Associate Professor at Instituto Maua de Tecnologia - CEUN-IMT
- Graduated at Physics (Bachelor) at IFUSP, Master at Electrical Engineering and Doctor at Electrical Engineering at EPUSP.

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Octavio Mattasoglio Neto Neto Mauá Institute of Technology, Brazil

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Undergraduate in Physics (1983), master in Science (1989) and phd at Education (1998) all of them from Universidade de São Paulo. Professor of Physics at Mauá Institute of Technology, since 1994 and President of Teacher's Academy of the same Institute,

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Abstract

This complete evidence-based practice paper analyzes the development of Physics modeling competencies and soft-skills of First Year Students in Engineering courses. In the Physics laboratory, there are three types of activities: a) Weekly laboratory experiments, b) Applied Physics Seminars and c) Problem learning projects. This work is focused on Applied Physics Seminars where students by using a simulator software "Speed Calculations for Traffic Accidents" – SCTA study the process of collision in a real situation, developing a role similar to the one performed by a forensic investigator where by means of the skid mark and type of pavement he can estimate the initial vehicle speed. In the Physics laboratory, teams of students must: 0) Read the original paper about "Speed Calculations for Traffic Accidents" and pay attention for general teacher’s explanation during class laboratory, 1) Use Design Thinking methodology for project planner, 2) Do Physical modeling of the phenomenon trying to extend the model that was presented in the original paper, 3) Do simulations and check model’s validity (by means of graphic analysis and comparing the fitted curves to the model predictions), and 4) Prepare a presentation about the selected traffic accident scene, explaining the model of the original paper, and presenting their graphic analysis, as well. In this way, through a contextualized problem, we intend to develop physics modeling competencies and soft-skills like teamwork, oral and written communication skills. Their final presentations were performed to the whole class and they were evaluated by rubrics. At the end of each final presentation teachers showed both the good points and the points that had to be improved to the teams. In order to verify the students' perception regarding the development of the project, a Likert-style questionnaire was applied. In 2020, 70 responses were received from a universe of 600 students (approximately 12%). More than 66% of the students found the theme of the project interesting or super interesting, and for more than 88% felt the time was adequate to carry it out, 93% of the students found the guidelines for the project adequate, and for 96% the previous presentation of the rubrics helped them to better prepare the work. For 82% of the students, the project improved the understanding of the theory and for 82% it presented applications involving physics applied to engineering. In 2021, during pandemic, the project was not evaluated. In 2022, the “evaluation laboratory” tool of Open LMS was added to the project in design thinking methodology. Using this tool, students can submit the initial seminar planning to be evaluated by teachers and at the same time do peer review of other groups activities. They can ask questions and make reflections about other groups activities so developing critical thinking during this process before submitting the final seminar presentation. The project has attended expectations, resulting in better academic performance, as well as contributing to the development of the competencies and skills that were aimed to be developed.

Citation
Format

Cutri, R., & Stem, N., & Mattasoglio Neto, O. (2023, June), Study of Speeds of Collision in Traffic Accidents: Physics Modeling Competences and Soft-Skills Development Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--44348

TY  - CPAPER
AB  - This complete evidence-based practice paper analyzes the development of Physics modeling competencies and soft-skills of First Year Students in Engineering courses. In the Physics laboratory, there are three types of activities: a) Weekly laboratory experiments, b) Applied Physics Seminars and c) Problem learning projects. This work is focused on Applied Physics Seminars where students by using a simulator software &quot;Speed Calculations for Traffic Accidents&quot; – SCTA study the process of collision in a real situation, developing a role similar to the one performed by a forensic investigator where by means of the skid mark and type of pavement he can estimate the initial vehicle speed. In the Physics laboratory, teams of students must: 0) Read the original paper about &quot;Speed Calculations for Traffic Accidents&quot; and pay attention for general teacher’s explanation during class laboratory, 1) Use Design Thinking methodology for project planner, 2) Do Physical modeling of the phenomenon  trying to  extend the model that was presented in the original paper, 3) Do simulations and check model’s validity (by means  of graphic analysis and  comparing the fitted curves  to  the  model  predictions), and 4) Prepare a presentation about the selected traffic accident scene, explaining  the  model of the original  paper,  and presenting their graphic analysis,  as well. In this way, through a contextualized problem, we intend to develop physics modeling competencies and soft-skills like teamwork, oral and written communication skills.  Their final presentations were performed to the whole class and they were evaluated by rubrics. At   the end of each final presentation teachers showed both the good points and the points that had to be improved to the teams. In order to verify the students&#39; perception regarding the development of the project, a Likert-style questionnaire was applied. In 2020, 70 responses were received from a universe of 600 students (approximately 12%). More than 66% of the students found the theme of the project interesting or super interesting, and for more than 88% felt the time was adequate to carry it out, 93% of the students found the guidelines for the project adequate, and for 96% the previous presentation of the rubrics helped them to better prepare the work. For 82% of the students, the project improved the understanding of the theory and for 82% it presented applications involving physics applied to engineering. In 2021, during pandemic, the project was not evaluated. In 2022, the “evaluation laboratory” tool of Open LMS was added to the project in design thinking methodology. Using this tool, students can submit the initial seminar planning to be evaluated by teachers and at the same time do peer review of other groups activities. They can ask questions and make reflections about other groups activities so developing critical thinking during this process before submitting the final seminar presentation. The project has attended expectations, resulting in better academic performance, as well as contributing to the development of the competencies and skills that were aimed to be developed.
AU  - Rodrigo Cutri
AU  - Nair Stem
AU  - Octavio Mattasoglio Neto Neto
CY  - Baltimore , Maryland
DA  - 2023/06/25
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Study of Speeds of Collision in Traffic Accidents: Physics Modeling Competences and Soft-Skills Development
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/44348
DO  - 10.18260/1-2--44348
ER  -