A National Program for Improving the Physical Science Preparation of Preservice Elementary Teachers

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The American Institute of Physics will carry out a project to improve instruction in college and university physical science courses for preservice elementary school teachers. Instructional modules for a college course in physical science will be produced based on materials developed by the Operation Physics project. The course will emphasize the teachers' acquiring a better understanding of the physical science concepts they would be required to teach, an awareness of both their own and children's naive ideas about physical science phenomena, and a repertoire of techniques and strategies which they can use in their classroom to help children better learn and understand physical science concepts. A group of outstanding physics and chemistry educators will contribute to the writing and field testing of the materials. An extensive program of college faculty enhancement will be undertaken to educate faculty in the best practices of teaching physical science and how the materials should be used with prospective teachers. Field test instructors will be solicited both through AAPT and ACS publications. The cost-sharing will be 24% of NSF's contribution.