Timber-framed windows, C House, Coorparoo, Brisbane

Windows to North-East elevation, looking onto pool deck.

Timber shutter, Sunshine Beach House, Sunshine Coast

Detail view through timber shutter as seen from interior.

Timber shutter, Sunshine Beach House, Sunshine Coast

Detailed view though timber shutter as seen from interior.

Timber shutters, Sunshine Beach House, Sunshine Coast

View of timber shutters as seen from interior.

Fundamental Skills in Physics: Embedded Learning

Student attitudes towards a subject affect their learning. For students in physics service courses, relevance is emphasised by vocational applications. A similar strategy is being used for students who aspire to continued study of physics, in an introduction to fundamental skills in experimental physics – the concepts, computational tools and practical skills involved in appropriately obtaining and interpreting measurement data. An educational module is being developed that aims to enhance the student experience by embedding learning of these skills in the practicing physicist’s activity of doing an experiment (gravity estimation using a rolling pendulum). The group concentrates on particular skills prompted by challenges such as: • How can we get an answer to our question? • How good is our answer? • How can it be improved? This explicitly provides students the opportunity to consider and construct their own ideas. It gives them time to discuss, digest and practise without undue stress, thereby assisting them to internalise core skills. Design of the learning activity is approached in an iterative manner, via theoretical and practical considerations, with input from a range of teaching staff, and subject to trials of prototypes.

Timber cross-bracing, Mooloomba House, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island

Detail view of timber cross-bracing with polycarbonate sheeting behind as seen from upper level dining studio.

Timber cross-bracing, Mooloomba House, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island

Detail view of timber cross-bracing to dining studio, as seen from upper living area.

Timber cross-bracing, Mooloomba House, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island

Detail view of timber cross-bracing with polycarbonate sheeting behind as seen from upper level dining studio.

Timber batten screen to north-east elevation, Sunshine Coast University Library, Maroochydore

View of timber batten screen to verandah behind and entrance stair, as seen from exterior.

Timber-framed windows, Powell House, Noosa River, Sunshine Coast

Folding timber windows and roof over.

Slotted timber skin, Sunshine Beach House, Sunshine Coast

As seen from exterior.

Slotted timber skin, Sunshine Beach House, Sunshine Coast

As seen from exterior.