Physics Curr Pro

8/13/2019 Physics Curr Pro

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Physics Curriculum Projects

Modeling Method

Active Physics

Comprehensive Conceptual Curriculum forPhysics (C3P)

Constructing Physics Understanding (CPU)

Mechanical Universe

Principles of Technology, etc.


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Modeling Instruction in Physics

The Modeling Method has been developed tocorrect many weaknesses of the traditionallecture-demonstration method, including the

fragmentation of knowledge, studentpassivity, and the persistence of naive beliefsabout the physical world.

A project of Arizona State University

http://modeling.asu.edu/


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Modeling Physics: CoherentInstructional Objectives

To engage students in understanding thephysical world by constructing and usingscientific models to describe, to explain, to

predict and to control physical phenomena. To provide students with basic conceptual

tools for modeling physical objects andprocesses,especially mathematical, graphicaland diagrammatic representations.

To familiarize students with a small set ofbasic models as the content core of physics.


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MODELING INSTRUCTION

It's a WAY to teach not primarily a curriculum.

The course is centered around a small set ofbasic models as the core content of physics.

Students are provided with the basicconceptual tools for modeling physicalobjects and processes.

Armed with these modeling tools, students

come to view physics not as an endlessstring of facts and formulas, but as acoherent process that helps them make senseof the physical world.


5/18

Modeling Physics:Instructional Strategy -- 1

Instruction is organized into modeling cycleswhich move students through all phases ofmodel development, evaluation and application inconcrete situations -- thus promoting anintegrated understanding of modeling processesand acquisition of coordinated modeling skills.

The teacher sets the stage for student activities,typically with a demonstration and classdiscussion to establish common understandingof a question to be asked of nature. Then, insmall groups, students collaborate in planningand conducting experiments to answer or clarifythe question.


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Modeling Physics:Instructional Strategy -- 2

Students are required to present and justifytheir conclusions in oral and/or written form,including a formulation of models for the

phenomena in question and evaluation of themodels by comparison with data.

Technical terms and concepts are introducedby the teacher only as they are needed tosharpen models, facilitate modeling activitiesand improve the quality of discourse.


7/18

Modeling Cycle

The modeling cycle has two stages, involvingthe two general classes of modelingactivities: Model development and model

deployment. Roughly speaking, model development

encompasses the exploration and inventionstages of the learning cycle.

Model deployment corresponds to thedeployment stage. It will be noted that the"modeling terminology" is more descriptiveof what the students actually do in the cycle.


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Active Physics - 1

Course designed to reach non-traditionalstudents.

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.


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Each module includes 3 chapter challenges. A sampleof these chapter challenges include:

Home - design a prototype home that can be used indeveloping nations.

Sports - invent a sport for the moon.

Transportation - design and build an improved safetydevice 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 - 2


10/18

Active Physics - 3

Uses five proven techniques: flexibly formatted

engaging scenarios

multiple exposures

constructivist approach

authentic assessment

Uses equations and graphs only to representideas symbolically, and provides instructionsfor calculators and spreadsheets.

All reading at 9th grade level.

Students solve problems hands-on and ingroups to foster teamwork.


11/18

Comprehensive ConceptualCurriculum for Physics

C3P is a curriculum project designed toimplement research from physics educationinto high school physics courses and is

supported by a grant from the NationalScience Foundation.

The offices of C3P are located at Departmentof Physics, University of Dallas, Irving, Texas

Principal Investigator: Richard P. Olenick http://phys.udallas.edu/frames.html


12/18

Comprehensive ConceptualCurriculum for Physics

C3P: "Fun Physics for Everyone".

The CD-ROM platform contains curriculum,learning cycle-based activities, lesson plans,

terms, misconceptions and much more tohelp teachers engage students in an activity-based learning environment. Based uponPRISMS; includes the Mechanical Universe,CASTLE, etc.


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Overview

A high school curriculum that integratesvideo-based, inquiry-based, and lab-orientedmaterials with an effective pedagogy that

promotes student explorations and that isbased on findings from current research instudents' preconceptions.

The mission of the Project is "to produce acomprehensive conceptually based physicscurriculum for all high schools, usable by allteachers, and effective with all students."


14/18

Constructing PhysicsUnderstanding

The CPU pedagogy allows students to construct ideasin small groups and as a class to explain physicalphenomena based on carefully designed experimentalactivities, and small group and whole class

discussions, but without a textbook or the instructorgiving the ideas.

Based upon the belief that computer software andinnovative pedagogical methods can support thecreation of significantly more effective learning

environments. The project is based on previous work incorporating

computer technology to build a constructivist-orientedlearning environment.


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Exploration activities, conceptdevelopment,and application activitiescharacteristic of the learning cycle.

PRISMS was awarded a grant in 1998 todevelop more activities in interdisciplinaryareas such as biophysics.


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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


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Course in applied science for those who plancareers 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.


18/18

An interesting approach

The Physics First Initiative

Documents

Physics Curr Pro