Physics Resources Packets as a Pathway to Tomorrow's Education

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Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) and its fellow institutions in the NSF sponsored 'Foundation Coalition' (FC) are at the forefront of innovations in engineering and science education. RHIT has, for example, developed a pioneering 'integrated' freshman year curriculum utilizing symbolic algebra and other powerful software. This curriculum now regularly employs active learning through cooperative group work. Little has been done, however, to carry innovations from programs like the 'integrated' curriculum into the sophomore and succeeding years. Technology is advancing ever more rapidly (in the fall of 1995 laptop computers will be required of all entering RHIT freshman), making it imperative that education be abreast of coming changes. RHIT/FC physics faculty members will develop 'resource packets' for basic and advanced physics courses which will galvanize the uptake of freshman year innovations. Consortium for Upper-Level Physics Software (CUPS) simulations and text will be available in 1995; they will be a major and timely enhancement resource for the packets. Physics instructors will have exercises and examples in the new methodologies and technologies at their fingertips. Sophomores will find their physics courses regularly featuring assignments which require a continuation of the skills they learned as freshmen. The packets will impact over 600 students per year at RHIT alone. Assessment and revision will occur continuously throughout the project. Vigorous dissemination efforts will include use of conferences, professional journals, workshops, and electronic mail.