Innovative Pathways for High School Physics Lab Teaching Guided by Core Competencies: A PracticeBased Study on Hierarchical Design, Situations of Daily Life, and Open-Ended Evaluation

Mia Qin Yun    【China】

[Abstract] 

the backdrop of deepening curriculum reforms aimed at fostering core competencies, physics lab teaching urgently needs to break through the traditional "knowledge-transmission-oriented" model. paper, based on constructivist theory and a framework for engineering thinking cultivation, addresses the three major pain points in high school physics lab teaching: structural imbalance (with lab hours accounting for than 20%), lack of student agency (75% of students engaging in mechanical operations), and the separation of theory from practice. It proposes a four-dimensional model: "Hierarchical Lab System—Transfer to Situations of Daily Life—Open-Topic Driven—Digital Technology Empowered". Through a 3-year crossregional practice (covering 6 provinces and cities with 12 schools, n=1,526), the model has been verified to significantly enhance scientific inquiry (29.7% improvement for the experimental group compared to the control group), innovative thinking levels (68.3% increase in the innovation score of the scheme) and sustained interest in the subject (41.2% increase in the rate of major selection after 3 years), providing a replicable paradigm for the implementation of core compet. Specifically, the hierarchical lab system designs multi-level, multi-difficulty experimental projects based on students' different abilities and interests, advancing from basic operations to complex research; transfer to situations of daily life integrates physical principles with daily life, enabling students to understand abstract concepts in familiar contexts; open-topic driven encourages students to choose topics independently, stimulating their for exploration and creativity; and digital technology empowered utilizes modern technological means such as virtual labs and data analysis tools to improve experimental efficiency and accuracy. These measures not only enrich teaching content but enhance students' hands-on abilities and problem-solving skills, laying a solid foundation for their future learning and career development.

[Keywords]   Core Competencies   Hical Labs   Situations of Daily Life   STEM Integration     Digital Labs   Formative Evaluation

1. Deep Dive into the Problem: A Root Cause Analysis of the Dmma in Lab Teaching

(a) Structural Contradictions in the Curriculum System — Dual Constraints of Classroom Time and Resources

Within China's education, the average share of compulsory lab courses stands at only 18.7%, a figure significantly lower than the 32.5% in the U.S. curriculum. This gap is not only reflected in the course ratio but also in the depth and breadth of lab content. According to a 2024 Ministry of Education research report 82% of lab courses in China still mainly consist of confirmatory experiments, lacking exploratory and innovative experimental designs, which greatly limits the development of students' hands- abilities and scientific thinking.

Meanwhile, the issue of resource shortages faced by lab teaching has become increasingly apparent. Despite the country's continuous increase in education spending, resources allocated to lab teaching remain limited. The equipment idle rate is as high as 55%, especially for real-time sensing systems, which are hardly utilized, with many advanced devices sitting idle most of the time and not playing their due role. Moreover, in the western regions where educational resources are relatively scarce, the offering rate of lab courses is even less 40%, and many students cannot access basic lab facilities, which undoubtedly exacerbates educational inequality between regions.

The dilemma of experimental teaching is not only about the number of class hours and resources, but also involves the rationality of design and the professional quality of teachers. The current curriculum system often focuses too much on the imparting of theoretical knowledge, while neglecting the importance of practical operation. The role of in experimental teaching is often positioned as the transmitter of knowledge, rather than the guide and supporter. This single teaching model fails to stimulate students' interest and creativity, resulting in poor experimental outcomes.

To improve this situation, comprehensive reforms are needed in multiple aspects. Firstly, the proportion of experimental courses should be increased, and the curriculum structure should be optimized, introducing exploratory and innovative experimental projects, and encouraging students to design and carry out experiments independently. Secondly, experimental resources should be reasonably allocated, and the utilization efficiency of equipment should improved, especially in resource-poor areas, where infrastructure should be strengthened to ensure that every student can enjoy high-quality experimental teaching. Finally, the professional quality of teachers should be, and through training and exchanges, they should be able to better guide students in experiments, and cultivate their scientific thinking and practical abilities.

In summary, solving the dilemma of experimental requires the collective efforts of the entire society, and only through multi-faceted collaborative cooperation can we truly achieve fairness and quality improvement in education.

(b) Suppression of Initiative of the Learning Subject – Monotonization of the Level of Thinking

The rigidification of the experimental steps in textbooks leads to 83% of students ignoring error analysis (2025 Suzhou, Zhejiang, Anhui questionnaire). This phenomenon indicates that the current educational system places too much emphasis on standardized and fixed teaching processes, limits students' initiative in thinking and innovative consciousness. When facing experiments, students often just mechanically follow the steps in the textbooks, lacking the ability to deeply analyze and discuss the possible that may occur during the experiment.

The lack of innovative tasks at the level of creativity, with only 7% of schools carrying out independent design experiments. This further reveals the educational environment's insufficient emphasis on cultivating students' innovative abilities. Most schools in the teaching process, failed to provide enough opportunities for students to participate in independent design experiments, thus their ability to explore the unknown and solve problems. Independent design experiments can not only stimulate students' creativity but also help them better understand the scientific principles and cultivate critical thinking and problemsolving abilities.

(c) Fault lines in knowledge transfer - disciplinary barriers are prominent

The teaching of electromagnet fails to link to the wireless charging technology of new energy vehicles, making it difficult for students to understand the electromagnetic principles applied in modern technology. For example, when explaining electromagnetic induction, can be combined with the working mechanism of wireless charging to show how energy is transmitted through the electromagnetic field, thus stimulating students' interest in practical applications.

The disconnection between the of thermodynamics and the energy-saving design of buildings means that students cannot directly see the importance of these concepts in real life when learning the basic concepts of thermodynamics. For example, 3% of teachers introduce housing insulation analysis into their teaching, which limits students' understanding of the application of thermodynamics in building energy conservation. In fact, through specific cases, such using thermodynamic principles to optimize the selection and layout of building insulation materials, students can better master relevant knowledge and realize its key role in energy conservation and emission reduction.

(d)viation of the orientation of the evaluation mechanism

Result-oriented evaluation: 90% of schools use the score of the laboratory report as the only standard, ignoring the actual performance abilities of students during the experiment. This single evaluation method cannot fully reflect students' scientific literacy and practical ability, and may lead students to focus only on the experimental results while ignoring exploration and thinking during the experiment.

Lack of innovation dimension: In the provincial experimental operation examination, the weight of the innovation index is only 10%, which indicates the current evaluation system does not pay enough attention to the importance of innovation ability. Innovation is the core of scientific research, and the lack of full consideration of the innovation dimension is notducive to cultivating students' creative thinking and problem-solving ability.

2. Theoretical Cornerstone: The Three Educational Theories Supporting the Model

(a) Application of Vygotsky's "Zone of Proximal Development"

Vygotsky's "Zone of Proximal Development" theory emphasizes that in teaching process, teachers should focus on the gap between students' current level and potential development level, and through appropriate guidance and support, help students bridge this gap. Specifically, this theory providing suitable tasks and environments for students to complete tasks that they cannot accomplish independently with the help of teachers or peers, thus promoting the development of their cognitive abilities.

Cognitiveaptation Principle of Hierarchical Experiment

Based on Vygotsky's theory, we propose the cognitive adaptation principle of hierarchical experiment, aiming to guide students step by from simple to complex to master knowledge and skills through different levels of experimental tasks. This principle includes three main stages:

①Basic level (skill acquisition): In this stage, master basic operational skills and conceptual understanding through simple experimental tasks. For example, in physics experiments, students can understand the basic relationship between current, voltage, and resistance by observing and operating circuits.

② Advanced level (logical construction): After mastering basic skills, students enter the advanced level and start to perform more complex experimental tasks, which require students to existing knowledge, carry out logical reasoning and problem-solving. For example, in the design of electrostatic dust removal devices, students need to understand the working mechanism of electrostatic fields through experiments and design a preliminary dust removal device.

③Innovative Layer (Transferring Creation): Finally, students enter the innovative layer, facing more challenging tasks not only require the application of existing knowledge and skills but also demand innovation and creativity. For example, in the design of electrostatic precipitators, students need to transfer the experience simulation experiments to actual industrial-level parameter optimization, designing efficient and economical dust removal systems.

Case: In the design of electrostatic precipitators, students transition from simulation experiments ( level) to industrial-level parameter optimization (innovative level).

During the design process of electrostatic precipitators, students first gain an understanding of the basic principles and of electrostatic fields through simulation experiments. In this stage, they need to master how to set parameters such as electrode spacing and voltage, as well as how to measure and analyze dust removal. Through these experiments, students can establish a basic understanding of the electrostatic dust removal process.

Next, students enter the entry level and start engaging in more complex experimental tasks. example, they can design different electrode shapes and arrangements to study the impact of these factors on dust removal efficiency. In this process, students need to apply logical reasoning and problem-s skills to analyze experimental data and determine the optimal design solution.

Finally, students enter the innovative level, facing more challenging tasks. They need to transfer the experience from simulation experiments to industrial-level parameter optimization, designing efficient and economical dust removal systems. This not only requires students to have a solid theoretical knowledge and experimental skills but also demands innovation and creativity, new design solutions and verifying their feasibility.

Through this stratified experimental method, students can gradually master the entire process of electrostatic precipitator design under the guidance of teachers, the acquisition of basic skills, to logical construction, and then to innovation and creation, achieving an overall improvement in cognitive abilities.

(b) Situational Practice of Deweys "Learning by Doing"

The Cognitive Anchoring Effect of Real-life Situations

In Dewey's "learning by doing" theory, it emphasizes the promotion learning through actual operation and real situations. For example, using the problem of optimizing the delivery route of takeout can effectively guide students to analyze the displacement-time graph, thus deep the understanding of physical concepts. In this process, it is required that the error be controlled within 5% to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data.

Deepening the of the Law of Liquid Pressure by Decomposing the Principle of Blood Pressure Monitor

In addition, by decomposing the working principle of the blood pressure monitor in detail, it help students understand the law of liquid pressure more deeply. The blood pressure monitor reflects the change of liquid pressure inside the human body by measuring the pressure of blood on the blood vessel. By analyzing the functions and roles of each part of the blood pressure monitor, students can better master the basic concepts and applications of liquid pressure.

(c) Innovation in the of Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

Dimension Design of Open Evaluation

3. Innovation Path: Construction of the Four-dimensional Integration Model

(a) Three-levelierarchical Experimental System (Strengthening Interdisciplinary Integration)

Upgrading of Topics at the Innovation Level

Case 1: Design "Bridge Seismic Model" toigate the Parameters of Simple Harmonic Vibration (Integrating Civil Engineering Knowledge)

In this case, students will gain a deep understanding of the parameters of simple harmonic vibration, as amplitude, period, and frequency, by designing and building a bridge seismic model. They will learn how to use these parameters to evaluate the performance of bridges during earthquakes and explore the of different materials and structures on the seismic performance of bridges. In addition, students will also learn the basic principles of civil engineering, including structural mechanics and earthquake engineering, thus enhancing interdisciplinary comprehensive abilities.

Case 2: Use Photovoltaic Battery Efficiency Test to Analyze the Photoelectric Effect (Related to New Energy Technology)

In case, students will use photovoltaic batteries for efficiency testing to analyze the photoelectric effect. They will learn how to measure key parameters of photovoltaic batteries such as open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and fill factor, and calculate their conversion efficiency. Through the experiment, students will understand the relationship between photon energy electron transition and various factors affecting the efficiency of photovoltaic batteries, such as light intensity, temperature, and battery material characteristics. In addition, students will also explore the trends and application prospects of new energy technology, enhancing their knowledge and skills in the field of renewable energy.

(b) Design of Life-oriented Situation Chain

①AR Sand Table Simulation System

The AR sand table simulation system seamlessly integrates virtual elements with the real environment through augmented reality technology, providing users with an immersive experience. This system is particularly for fields such as education, urban planning, and military training, significantly enhancing learning effectiveness and decision-making efficiency.

The implementation of terrain gravity field visualization enables dynamic g value measurementrelative error ≤ 2.3%). This function uses advanced sensors and algorithms to monitor and display the changes in gravity in different terrains in real-time. Through highprecision g value measurement, users can more accurately understand the influence of terrain on gravity, thus obtaining important data support in professional fields such as geological exploration, engineering construction, andpace. In addition, the high precision of relative error ≤ 2.3% ensures the reliability of the measurement results, making the system have broad application prospects in scientific research engineering applications.

② Development of Home Experiment Tool Kit

Acoustic Wave Unit Tool Kit Configuration

- Core Equipment: Mobile phone decibel meter APP   Echo Boxes Different Materials

- Exploration Task: Test the influence of wooden/metal box bodies on the decay of sound quality

- Data Platform: Cloud-shared experimental database (12387 groups of family data have been accumulated)

(c) Empowering Experiments with Digital Technology

①Advanced Applications of Phyphox

Using the-in gyroscope sensor of the mobile phone, it is possible to efficiently study the moment of inertia of rigid bodies. Compared with traditional experimental methods, this method is not only to operate but also improves efficiency by about four times. Through the Phyphox application, users can collect and analyze data in real-time, thus more intuitively understanding the of moment of inertia and its influencing factors.

② AI Error Analysis System

In physical experiments, the dotting timer is a commonly used measuring tool, the data on its paper tape often contains various errors. To improve the accuracy of data analysis, we have introduced an artificial intelligence-based error analysis system. This system can automatically identify mark abnormal points on the dotting timer paper tape, with an accuracy rate of 92.6%. This not only greatly reduces the time for manual inspection but also the reliability of the experimental results. Through machine learning algorithms, the system can continuously optimize its recognition ability, adapt to different types of experimental data, and provide more precise support for scientific.

4. Practical Case: From Newton's Laws to Space Engineering

(a) Limitations of Traditional Experiments

In physics education and research, Newtons laws are the foundation of all. However, in practical applications, traditional experimental methods often have many limitations. For example, the "sand bucket method" is a common method for the relationship between acceleration and force, but this method has significant systematic errors, usually as high as 15%. This error mainly comes from friction, air resistance, and theprecision of the experimental device itself. In addition, traditional experimental methods cannot simulate a microgravity environment, which is extremely disadvantageous for studying the motion laws of objects in space.

 ground laboratories, it is difficult to achieve true microgravity conditions due to the influence of Earth's gravity. And traditional experimental means such as the "sand bucket method" cannot this limitation, resulting in a large deviation between experimental results and actual situations. To verify Newton's laws more accurately, scientists need to rely on more advanced experimental equipment and technologies, as using microgravity laboratories on low-orbit satellites or the International Space Station for experiments.

Through these advanced experimental platforms, researchers can eliminate the interference of Earth's gravity and more accurate data. For example, experiments conducted on the International Space Station can provide an environment close to zero gravity, allowing the motion of objects to fully follow Newton's laws without interference of other external forces. This not only helps to deeply understand the essence of Newton's laws but also provides valuable data support for aerospace engineering.

In the field aerospace engineering, the application of Newton's laws is particularly extensive. Whether it is rocket launch, satellite orbit design, or the operation of space stations, it is insepar from the precise understanding and application of Newton's laws. Therefore, improving experimental methods and experimental precision is of great significance for promoting the development of aerospace technology.

In summary although traditional experimental methods have helped us understand Newton's laws to a certain extent, their limitations should not be overlooked. With the progress of technology, we need to continuously explore new means to better verify and apply Newton's laws, especially in high-precision fields such as aerospace engineering.

(b) Hierarchical Reconstruction Plan

Basic Layer: Smartphone Measuring Elevator Acc (Error ≤ 3%): By utilizing the built-in accelerometer of smartphones, it is possible to precisely measure the acceleration changes of elevators between different floors, with error controlled within 3%, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the data.

Advanced Layer: Water Rocket Trajectory Optimization Experiment (Parameters: Ejection Angle 3°-55°): By adjusting the ejection angle of the water rocket between 35° to 55°, its flight trajectory can be optimized, improving the distance and stability. Factors such as air resistance and gravity affecting the trajectory need to be considered in the experiment.

Innovative Layer: Satellite Attitude Control Simulation (Based the Principle of Conservation of Angular Momentum): Using the principle of conservation of angular momentum, the process of adjusting the satellite's attitude in space is simulated. Through changing the mass distribution or using reaction wheels, etc., the satellite's attitude stability and precise control are achieved.

Teaching Recording: A team from a middle school in Gudong modified a drone gimbal to control the system and won a silver award in the International Space City Design Competition. This team developed a satellite attitude control system suitable for satellite control by modifying a drone gimbal. They won a silver award in the International Space City Design Competition, showing their innovative ability and practical level in the field of aerospace technology

(c) STEM Integration Practice

Case: Design of the Temperature Control System for the "Space Seed Cultivation Box" (Integrating Thermodynamics   Biology)

 the design of the "Space Seed Cultivation Box," we not only need to consider how to provide a suitable growth environment for plants but also need to combine the knowledge of thermodynamics biology to optimize the temperature control system. Thermodynamics principles help us understand the process of temperature, heat transfer, and energy conversion, while biological knowledge guides us to understand the of plants to temperature changes and their growth needs.

Firstly, through thermodynamic analysis, we can design efficient heating and cooling devices to ensure that the temperature inside the cultivation box is within a range suitable for plant growth. For example, by using the principles of heat conduction and convection, we can achieve rapid and uniform temperature distribution, avoiding local overheating or.

Secondly, biological research shows that different plants have different temperature needs. Some plants grow well at lower temperatures, while others need higher temperatures to thrive. Therefore, when designing temperature control system, we need to adjust the temperature control strategy according to the specific needs of the planted plants to meet their optimal growth conditions.

In addition, in order to simulate diurnal temperature difference on Earth, we can introduce a timing control system to make the temperature inside the cultivation box fluctuate within a certain period, thus being closer to the natural and promoting the healthy growth of plants.

In summary, the design of the temperature control system for the "Space Seed Cultivation Box" is a typical STEM integration practice case, combines the principles of thermodynamics in physics and biological knowledge to create an ideal plant growth environment and provides valuable experience for future space agriculture exploration.

5. Effect verification: Multi dimensional tracking evaluation

5.1 Quantitative data comparison (samplen=1,526）

5.2  In-Depth Analysis of Qualitative Feedback

Case of Cognitive Transfer

"By the bicycle gear system, a nonlinear relationship between gear ratio r and torque M was discovered—this is more intuitive than the formula in the textbook. Specifically, when the gear ratio increases although theoretically the torque should increase proportionally, in practice, due to factors such as friction and air resistance, the growth of torque does not strictly follow a linear pattern. This experience actual operation allows students to gain a deeper understanding of theoretical knowledge and flexibly apply it in practical applications." (2024 Jiangsu Student Science Journal)

Career Enlightenment Effect

Among the students who participated in the innovative layer experiments, 21.3% aspire to engage in engineering technology R&D (track over 3 years of data). This data indicates that through hands-on operation and project practice, students not only deepen their understanding of related disciplines but also are inspired by interest in engineering technology R&D. This early career enlightenment helps them to be more clear about their direction in future career choices and lays a solid foundation for entering related fields.

6. Reflection and Iteration Direction

6.1  Existing Challenges

Urban-Rural Resource Gap: The coverage rate of digital experimental equipment in rural schools is 19.3%, revealing a severe imbalance in the distribution of urban and rural educational resources. In urban areas, schools are generally equipped with advanced digital experimental equipment such as reality devices and smart laboratories, while rural schools, due to funding and infrastructure constraints, have a very low penetration rate of these high-tech devices. This gap not only affects students experimental learning experience but may also suppress their interest and understanding of science and technology. To narrow this gap, it is necessary for the government and all sectors of society to increase investment rural education, provide more funding support and technical assistance, and ensure that every student enjoys equitable access to educational resources.

Teacher Capacity Bottleneck: The compliance rate interdisciplinary teaching design capabilities is less than 35%, indicating a significant capability shortfall in current teachers' response to interdisciplinary teaching. With the deepening of educational reform interdisciplinary teaching has become an important means of cultivating students' comprehensive abilities and innovative thinking. However, many teachers lack the necessary training and practical experience to design effective interdisciplinary courses To address this issue, the education department should strengthen the professional development plan for teachers, provide more training opportunities and resources, and help teachers improve their interdisciplinary teaching design capabilities. addition, teacher exchange platforms can be established to promote the sharing and cooperation of teachers' experience and improve teaching quality together.

6.2 Sustainable Development Path

①Establish experimental resource sharing cloud platform: Through cloud computing and big data technology, the efficient sharing and optimization of experimental resources among universities, research institutions, and enterprises are realized, improving resource utilization reducing duplicate investment.

Develop an "instrument floating system" to borrow other units' experimental equipment through mobile applications, similar to the shared bicycle model, to promote the mobility utilization efficiency of instruments and equipment, and reduce the idle rate.

②Teacher Training Reform: Focusing on the cultivation of practical abilities, promoting the renewal of educational concepts, and improving the overall quality the teaching staff.

Adding a compulsory course "Experimental Innovation Design" (suggested class hours ≥ 60), the course content covers the principles of experimental design innovative thinking training, and practical operation skills, aiming to cultivate students' innovative abilities and problem-solving skills.

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