Investigation of Conceptual Understanding in Classical and Modern Physics with Application to Materials Development andInstruction of Precollege Teachers

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This award provides support for a three-year project to be conducted by the Physics Education Group in the Physics Department at the University of Washington. The project consists of three interrelated components: 1) an investigation of student understanding of key concepts in classical and modern physics, 2) the application of research results to the development of instructional materials for precollege teachers, and 3) an inservice teacher education program for testing instructional materials and for preparing teachers to teach physics and physical science. A version appropriate for elementary and middle school teachers will also be developed. The inservice program is closely coordinated with a preservice program supported by the university. The project will be guided by a national advisory group with expertise salient to the comprehensive nature of the work to be accomplished. The emphasis in the research component will be on topics from classical physics necessary for understanding modern physics, such as relative motion and frames of references, waves and physical optics, and electricity and magnetism. These investigators also plan to examine conceptual understanding in selected topics from twentieth century physics, especially those that demonstrate the inadequacy of classical ideas. The investigation will focus on precollege teachers and will also include students from the various introductory courses offered by the Physics Department. Results from this research will be used to guide the development of instructional materials for strengthening the preparation of precollege teachers. The materials will be in the form of printed instructional modules, interactive computer programs, and accompanying instructor's guides for university faculty conducting preservice and inservice courses. Design, testing, and revision will take place in the context of the teacher education program conducted by Physics Education group. As in previous projects, the development process will include pilot-testing at other institutions. Joint support is being provided by the Division of Teacher Preparation and Enhancement and the Division of Materials Development, Research and Informal Science Education.