Title: Assessing and CURE-ing Physics Labs

Abstract: Physics laboratory courses offer a unique environment for education research - encompassing the evaluation of vital physics skills, the cultivation of scientific identities, and strategies for improving student retention. In this presentation, we will discuss how research-based assessment instruments (RBAIs) are useful tools for discipline-based education research and they can be used to help inform course development and improvement. We specifically look at two example RBAIs, one focused on measurement uncertainty and the other on modeling. We will also discuss the advantages of integrating course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) and our ongoing initiative aimed at developing a scalable and sustainable framework for implementing CUREs within physics departments nationwide.