In recent years the realisation that children make decisions and choices about subjects they like in primary school became widely accepted. The role of the primary school teacher as the main ambassador for a subject is therefore crucial in inspiring and enthusing the younger generation towards STEM. However, in most European countries, primary…

Quantitative reasoning and interdisciplinary skills are central to real-world environmental problem solving. Enhancing those skills for students in environmental programs will help them succeed as future environmental professionals. This paper describes an approach that uses an applied geophysical imaging course to enhance quantitative reasoning…

Physics lab instruction is evolving in response to changing technology, a desire to better prepare students for diverse careers, and renewed focus from physics education researchers. To prepare researchers to evaluate progress in instructional labs in the future, this study set out to understand the current state of instructional physics labs in…

In this paper, a course on applied superconductivity is described. The course structure is outlined and the learning objectives and the learning activities are described. The teaching was multidisciplinary given by four departments each contributing with their expertise. Being applied superconductivity, the focus was on an application, which could…

This case study analyzes five science courses of a United States virtual charter school. Online quizzes and exams are provided by the corporate partner, while local teachers have selected report topics, virtual labs and at-home labs for students to complete. These assessments were coded for their correlation to the cognitive levels of the revised…

Reports the instructor's experiences with open-end introductory physics laboratories. Students' reactions to the course are summarized. Organizational details and changes in the organization made for 1969-70 are also included. Bibliography. (LC)

Describes the objectives and content of a freshman physics laboratory course designed to eliminate the cook-book type of experiments. Instead, students are encouraged to devise their own experimental designs, execute the experiments, and interpret the results in their own way. The authors report that student reaction to the course is generally…

Describes a laboratory-centered introductory physics course for high school juniors and seniors. Course philosophy, objectives, laboratory procedures, syllabus, and evaluation methods are presented. A list of laboratory exercises, and a detailed description of three of them are included. (LC)

An attempt to attain various high level aims such as "training the mind,""developing judgment," and "achieving independence" within the framework of a first-year physics laboratory course is described. Evaluations of the course and the effectiveness of consequent improvements are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Describes the application of the Keller Plan to an introductory physics course. Presents the organization of the course, faculty and student reaction to the course, and an assessment of the course on the basis of student grade distribution. (GS)

Describes a course which organizes learning about moderately difficult projects designed to bring a sense of continuity and relevance to student studies. Student comments are used as a basis for evaluating this approach. (Author/GS)

Discusses experience of conducting a project designed to interest and train women in physics, involving student recruitment, course design, laboratory work planning, and counseling services. Included are surveyed faculty and graduate student comments and participants' attitudes toward the project. (CC)

Discusses a two-semester noncalculus general physics course which emphasizes the teaching of physical knowledge in biology, biophysics, and medicine. Included are a table of major biophysical examples, an outline of lectures, and a list of references. (CC)