Relativity and Quantum Mechanics: Modern Physics from an Elementary Viewpoint

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Introductory physics teaching has tended to treat relativity theory and quantum mechanics as though they were totally disconnected from the rest of the field. This project seeks to modify the traditional curriculum by concentrating on those fundamental concepts that link classical and twentieth-century physics, thereby bridging the gap between them, demystifying the latter and making both more accessible to the beginning student. Building on recent results from cognitive science research, the project will use technology in two complementary ways: (1) to create sophisticated yet inexpensive experiments capable of demonstrating some of the relevant physical effects and principles, and (2) to build powerful computer-based environments within which students will design their own simulated experiments that go far beyond what can be achieved in the laboratory. The computer tools will enable students not only to model purely classical systems but, by varying parameters, to pass continuously from the classical to the relativistic or quantum regimes. Students will thus be able to investigate effects that are observable only at high speeds or small scales, displaying them in multiple representations from any frame of reference. In collaboration with high school and undergraduate teachers, we will create curriculum materials to make our software and experiments applicable to physics courses at many different levels.