Devleopment of a Discovery Approach for an Introductory Level Physics Course

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For the past three years, we have been developing and offering an innovative course, "Discovering Physics," for non- science majors. We are now broadening the approach we have been taking, which includes elements of the "discovery technique and the small-group "complex instruction" learning environment, to both the elementary/middle school level and the standard college science-major physics sequence. The original course is being expanded to two semesters, and is being aimed especially at students planning to go into precollege teaching; active participation of current teachers is also being emphasized, as an important part of the developing partnership between the University and the Worcester Public Schools. The course will retain its stress on understanding nature through direct experience and the concepts which grow out of careful consideration of these experiences; we are continuing to encourage students to ask "How do we know...?" and "Why do we believe...?" questions about physical phenomena. Our program welcomes, and has been successful with both male and female students and students from groups traditionally under- represented in science. To promote a broad, national impact, are producing a "discovery workbook," a teacher's manual, and associated software. An outstanding group of consultants is working with us in the various aspects of this project.