Powerful Ideas in Physical Science

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With the ultimate goal of improving elementary teachers' concept understanding of physical science and their physical science teaching skills, the objective of this proposed project is: To encourage and enable colleges and universities to provide physical science courses which are more appropriate to the entry-level background of students, which better honor the learning process, and which are more attuned to the exit-level needs of future elementary school science teachers. To accomplish this stated objective, the AAPT proposes to provide a carefully orchestrated program of awareness and training sessions and follow-up support activities for physics and physical science faculty using Powerful Ideas in Physical Science: A Model Course (NSF#TPE-9154024) which is based on well-documented research findings about science learning. It features a hands-on constructivist approach, represents a "less is more" philosophy, includes content selected specifically for the needs of future primary teachers, and uses both traditional and alternative assessments. The model represents the cumulative efforts of a group of physics, chemistry and science education faculty representing twelve different colleges and universities. It has been intentionally designed to be transportable to a variety of institutions. This proposal requests funding for a three-year program to train and support physical science faculty from colleges and universities across the nation to use the model to reform their physical science courses for prospective elementary teachers. Three levels of disseminatimn are proposed: 1) Awareness Workshops, 2) Professional Development Seminars, and 3) Summer Faculty Enhancement Programs. Technical assistance visits to participants' institutions will help assure the quality of reform efforts. Continuing follow-up support for program participants will be provided through an electronic bulletin board, articles and information in AAPT publications, and special session s at meetings of the AAPT.