Physics Curriculum Projects

Modeling Method Active Physics Comprehensive Conceptual Curriculum for Physics (C3P) Constructing Physics Understanding (CPU) Mechanical Universe Principles of Technology, etc.

Modeling Instruction in Physics

The Modeling Method has been developed to correct many weaknesses of the traditional lecture-demonstration method, including the fragmentation of knowledge, student passivity, and the persistence of naive beliefs about the physical world. A project of Arizona State University http://modeling.asu.edu/

Modeling Physics: Coherent Instructional Objectives

To engage students in understanding the physical world by constructing and using scientific models to describe, to explain, to predict and to control physical phenomena. To provide students with basic conceptual tools for modeling physical objects and processes,especially mathematical, graphical and diagrammatic representations. To familiarize students with a small set of basic models as the content core of physics.

MODELING INSTRUCTION

It's a WAY to teach not primarily a curriculum. The course is centered around a small set of basic models as the core content of physics. Students are provided with the basic conceptual tools for modeling physical objects and processes. Armed with these modeling tools, students come to view physics not as an endless string of facts and formulas, but as a coherent process that helps them make sense of the physical world.

Modeling Physics: Instructional Strategy -- 1

Instruction is organized into modeling cycles which move students through all phases of model development, evaluation and application in concrete situations -- thus promoting an integrated understanding of modeling processes and acquisition of coordinated modeling skills. The teacher sets the stage for student activities, typically with a demonstration and class discussion to establish common understanding of a question to be asked of nature. Then, in small groups, students collaborate in planning and conducting experiments to answer or clarify the question.

Modeling Physics: Instructional Strategy -- 2

Students are required to present and justify their conclusions in oral and/or written form, including a formulation of models for the phenomena in question and evaluation of the models by comparison with data. Technical terms and concepts are introduced by the teacher only as they are needed to sharpen models, facilitate modeling activities and improve the quality of discourse.

Modeling Cycle

The modeling cycle has two stages, involving the two general classes of modeling activities: Model development and model deployment. Roughly speaking, model development encompasses the exploration and invention stages of the learning cycle. Model deployment corresponds to the deployment stage. It will be noted that the "modeling terminology" is more descriptive of what the students actually do in the cycle.

Active Physics - 1

Course designed to reach non-traditional students. NSF-funded project for 9th - 12th grades. Uses enticing themes:
sports medicine home transportation predictions communications

Field-tested in 51 high schools in 95-96.

Active Physics - 2

Each module includes 3 chapter challenges. A sample of these chapter challenges include: Home - design a prototype home that can be used in developing nations. Sports - invent a sport for the moon. Transportation - design and build an improved safety device for a car. Communications - create a light and sound show for your class. Medicine - convince your principal you can have a dance concert and nobody's hearing will be damaged.

Active Physics - 3

Uses five proven techniques:

flexibly formatted engaging scenarios multiple exposures constructivist approach authentic assessment

Uses equations and graphs only to represent ideas symbolically, and provides instructions for calculators and spreadsheets. All reading at 9th grade level. Students solve problems hands-on and in groups to foster teamwork.

Comprehensive Conceptual Curriculum for Physics

C3P is a curriculum project designed to implement research from physics education into high school physics courses and is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The offices of C3P are located at Department of Physics, University of Dallas, Irving, Texas Principal Investigator: Richard P. Olenick http://phys.udallas.edu/frames.html

Comprehensive Conceptual Curriculum for Physics

C3P: "Fun Physics for Everyone". The CD-ROM platform contains curriculum, learning cycle-based activities, lesson plans, terms, misconceptions and much more to help teachers engage students in an activitybased learning environment. Based upon PRISMS; includes the Mechanical Universe, CASTLE, etc.

Overview

A high school curriculum that integrates video-based, inquiry-based, and lab-oriented materials with an effective pedagogy that promotes student explorations and that is based on findings from current research in students' preconceptions. The mission of the Project is "to produce a comprehensive conceptually based physics curriculum for all high schools, usable by all teachers, and effective with all students."

Constructing Physics Understanding

The CPU pedagogy allows students to construct ideas in small groups and as a class to explain physical phenomena based on carefully designed experimental activities, and small group and whole class discussions, but without a textbook or the instructor giving the ideas. Based upon the belief that computer software and innovative pedagogical methods can support the creation of significantly more effective learning environments. The project is based on previous work incorporating computer technology to build a constructivist-oriented learning environment.

Exploration activities, concept development,and application activities characteristic of the learning cycle. PRISMS was awarded a grant in 1998 to develop more activities in interdisciplinary areas such as biophysics.

The Mechanical Universe

Seven quads
Physics on Earth and in the Heavens Conservation Laws and Fundamental Forces Kinematics and Scientific Methods From Kepler to Einstein Electricity Magnetism and Beyond Modern Physics

Each quad has four associated videotapes. Linked to major textbook chapters Comes with Teachers Guide

Course in applied science for those who plan careers as technicians. Blends an understanding of basic principles with practice in practical applications. Units -- Force, Work, Rate, Resistance, Energy, Power, and Force Transformers. An equipment-intense course.

An interesting approach

The Physics First Initiative