An Inquiry-Based Approach to the Distribution Concept in Statistical Mechanics

Abstract

The distribution concept is a fundamental component of statistical thinking. This paper describes a teaching method aimed at analysing the concept of distribution in its characteristic aspects, like average value, more frequent value, variance, variability etc. A very specific activity related to the field of statistical mechanics, is proposed, in which the concept of the distribution of velocity or the energy of a gas is dealt with using an Inquiry Based experimental examination of Maxwell’s Law. Some outcomes of teaching experiment conducted in a workshop held at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Palermo, Italy are described.