MPWG: Experiment Based Physics for Girls in Elementary Schools

该提案要求第二年的资金，以进一步发展和扩大一个以实验为基础的实践项目，通过大学物理学教授和当地学校的科学协调员之间的合作，向四、五、六年级的女孩介绍物理科学。选择的主题领域是：光学、声、电、磁和力学。将为每个模块开发一系列模块。每个模块将通过一系列逻辑顺序的游戏，简单的实验，小工具，玩具，艺术项目，最后是使用简单科学设备的实验室实验，以及“gee whiz”探索式展览来发展一个概念（例如，光的反射）。通过向女孩们介绍观察和使用相同概念的多种不同方式，我们将让她们看到如何在逻辑基础上发展一个简单的概念，以理解复杂的科学现象。目的是通过传达科学是有趣的来激励女孩，但更重要的是，通过让她们熟悉简单的科学设备，培养她们的建造和实验技能，以及逻辑推理能力。在最初的几年里，这个项目是作为一项课外活动而设立的。每周两次，为期四周。第一年，光学模块在哥伦比亚公立学区18所学校中的两所进行了测试。在第二年，我们会集中在两个主要的提升范畴。我们将开发另外两个学科的模块（力学和电磁学），我们将举办讲习班，培训约30名教师。该计划将在第二年在8至12所学校实施。我们预计，在未来几年，这些材料将被小学教师整合到常规课程中。＊＊＊

9353753 Chandrasekhar This proposal is requesting second year funding to further develop and expand an experiment- based, hands-on program which is introducing girls in the 4th, 5th and 6th grades to the physical sciences, through a collaboration between a university physics professor and the science coordinator of the local schools. The topic areas selected are: Optics, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism and Mechanics. For each a series of modules will be developed. Individual modules will develop a concept (e.g., the reflection of light) through a series of logically sequential games, simple experiment, building of gadgets, toys, art projects and finally, laboratory experiments using simple scientific equipment, and "gee whiz" exploratorium-style exhibits. By introducing the girls to a number of different ways of observing and using the same concept, we will allow them to see how a simple concept is developed on a logical basis to understand complex scientific phenomena. The objective is to motivate the girls by conveying that science is fun, but more importantly, by familiarizing them with simple scientific equipment, by developing their building and experimenting skills, as well as their capabilities of logical reasoning. The program is set up in the initial years as an extra-curricular effort. There will be sessions twice a week for four weeks. The Optics modules were tested in two of the eighteen school in the Columbia Public School District in the first year. In the second year, we will concentrate on two major areas of enhancement. We will develop modules on two more subjects (Mechanics, and Electricity and Magnetism), and we will conduct workshops to train about 30 teachers. The program will be implemented at eight to twelve schools in the second year. We anticipate that the material developed will be integrated by elementary school teachers into the regular curriculum in coming years. ***