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The learning characteristics of each student are different. Differentiated instruction considers individual differences, as such guides the learning journey rather than seeing these differences as a challenge. The purpose of this research was to compare the effects of differentiated instruction and 5E learning cycle in physics classes on the students' academic achievement and self-efficacy. We used the matching - pre-test/post-test - control group design to address the research questions. We conducted the study in three different schools, performed three experiments, and had three control groups. 162 10th grade students participated in the study. We used the ‘Electricity Prior Knowledge Test’, ‘Electricity Achievement Test’, and the ‘Physics Self-Efficacy Scale’ to collect data. SPSS version 20 software was used to analyse the obtained quantitative data. Independent samples t-test was used to determine whether there was a significant difference between the control and experimental group students’ level of prior knowledge regarding the subject of electricity. The analysis of covariance was used to determine whether there was a significant difference between the control and experimental group students’ course achievements after the implementation. Two-factor mixed-measures ANOVA was used to determine whether the experimental and control group students’ pre-test and post-test scores on self-efficacy differed. Based on the results, it can be concluded that differentiated instruction improved the academic achievement of the low- and mid-achieving students. When the self-efficacy scores of the students were analysed, no significant difference was found between the groups. Based on the results of the research, researchers or teachers who want to use differentiated teaching in their classrooms may be recommended to create level groups in the classroom.

In this study, the viewpoints of physics teacher candidates at undergraduate level towards the concepts in special theory of relativity and the interpretations they made about these concepts were investigated. The viewpoints of the teacher candidates towards the concepts in the subject of special theory of relativity were revealed with six open ended questions prepared by the writers who are physics teachers as well. The research is a qualitative study and the study was conducted with eighteen teacher candidates. In this study, case study, one of the methods of qualitative research, was used. The study group of the research was chosen by convenience sampling. The data collected via open ended questions was analysed by descriptive analysis method. According to the results of the study, it was revealed that most of the students have not been introduced to the special theory of relativity and the concepts related to them. It could be stated that the candidates had difficulty with the relativity of time and its reference frame. Most of the teacher candidates could not make the interpretation that the speed of light was the limit speed and no other object could reach that speed.

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This study aims to showcase an experiment for introductory physics students that quantitatively describes the relationship between gas pressure, volume, and temperature. For this purpose, an Arduino Uno Microcontroller and BMP180 pressure sensor are used. The BMP180 can also measure temperature, so another temperature sensor is not needed. Pressure-volume and pressure-temperature graphs are plotted with the experimental setup using cheap and easily accessible materials. It can be seen that the drawn graphs correspond well to the theory. It is hoped that this experimental setup can be used by teachers in STEM activities, especially for physics courses.