Project-based physics labs using low-cost open-source hardware

Abstract: We describe a project-based physics lab, which we proposed to third-year university students. Theses labs are based on new open-source low-cost equipment (Arduino microcontrollers and compatible sensors). Students are given complete autonomy: they develop their own experimental setup and study the physics topic of their choice. The goal of these projects is to let students discover the reality of experimental physics. Technical specifications of the acquisition material and case studies are presented for practical implementation in other universities.