Operation Physics: A National Program for the Improvement of Physics Teaching and Learning in the Upper Elementary andMiddle Schools

本计划旨在发展一种模式，以改善4至8年级的物理科学教育，方法是开发15套资源和材料，用于培训科学教育工作者队伍，而这些教育者又将利用这些资源和材料加强所在地理区域教师的物理科学背景和课堂教学方法。该项目是美国地理位置不同地区三所大学的合作项目：罗德岛大学、路易斯安那州立大学和圣地亚哥州立大学。该项目包括三个不同的活动：1。由科学家、科学教育工作者和教师组成的小组开发资源和材料包；2. 培训36个三人小组（每个区域12个）在课堂上使用这些工具包，并为他们的同龄人提供服务；和3。在培训人员和与各大学相关的区域咨询委员会的支持下，实施在职计划。如果该模式被证明是成功的，未来的计划将包括通过在一个地区发展更多的团队或增加参与该模式的大学数量来传播该模式。这个项目有可能在全国产生重大影响。该项目值得资助的原因如下：科学家、科学教育工作者和模范课堂教师的杰出工作人员；关注经常被认为需要改进的科学教育领域和水平；使用原资助项目中信誉良好的人员、物资；采用一种可转移到其他人群和科学领域的“模式”；以及几个机构和选区的合作，这些机构和选区提供了更大的保障，使其在NSF资助的时间之外产生重大影响和持续下去。

This project seeks to develop a model for the improvement of physical science education in grades 4-8 through the development of 15 kits of resources and materials to be used in the training of teams of science educators who will, in turn, use the kits to enhance the physical science background and classroom methodology of teachers in their geographical regions. The project is a cooperative endeavor of three universities in geographically distinct regions of the nation: University of Rhode Island, Louisiana State University and San Diego State University. The project involves three distinct activities: 1. the development of the kits of resources and materials by teams of scientists, science educators and teachers; 2. the training of 36 three member teams ( 12 from each region) in the use of the kits in their classrooms and to provide inservice for their peers; and 3. the implementation of the inservice programs with support from both the training staff and regional advisory committees associated with each university site. If the model proves successful, future initiatives will involve the dissemination of the model through the development of more teams in a region or increasing the number of universities involved in the model. The program has the potential to make a significant national impact. The program is deserving of funding for the following reasons: an eminently qualified staff representing scientists, science educators and exemplary classroom teachers; focus on an area and level of science education often cited as needing improvement; utilization of personnel and materials from a formerly funded project which enjoys an excellent reputation; the utilization of a "model" which has transferability to other populations and areas of science; and the cooperation of several institutions and constituencies which provides greater insurance of a significant impact and continuance beyond the time of NSF funding.