Quantum mechanics is an integral course for physics students. An understanding of quantum concepts is imperative for enrollment in physics graduate programs, participating in research within physics fields, and employment with companies developing quantum technologies. This study analyzes 188 U.S. research-intensive institutions' course catalogs…

In recent decades, several countries have made efforts to close the historic gender gap in physics through curricular reforms. Research indicates that while the acute underrepresentation of females in physics courses and related careers is linked to a number of interlaced social, contextual and motivational factors, the personal relevance of…

Undergraduate educational settings often struggle to provide students with authentic biologically or medically relevant situations and problems that simultaneously improve their understanding of physics. Through exercises and laboratory activities developed in an elective Physics in Biomedicine course for upper-level biology or pre-health majors…

Describes the evaluation of the Introductory University Physics Project (IUPP). This project tested four model curricula of calculus-based introductory physics at nine sites. A brief project description and details of the project evaluation plan, implementation, and analysis are included. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Discusses a report of a project that aimed to research needs and develop materials for the teaching of physics in vocational high schools. Describes the model that provided the framework and terminology for discussion at all stages of development, evaluation, and revision of materials. (JOW)

The purpose of this paper is to summarize and review the results of the Harvard Project Physics (HPP) research and evaluation activity to make available to interested science educators the design, implementation, and results of a major curriculum evaluation effort. This activity was conducted during the years 1965-1970 and had considerable support…

Presented is an evaluation of the Research Extended As Classroom Help (REACH) Kit. Developed by the University of Arkansas physics faculty, the REACH KIT is intended to bring current energy-related research results into college physics classrooms. The completed product consists of a package of instructional materials which contains a text, slides,…

Formative evaluation of a physics curriculum unit (PLON) is reported. Phase one used general ideas and many instruments; phase two focused on specific questions arising from phase one. Findings suggested that relating curriculum content to ability to think about and explain a task was a prerequisite for student satisfaction. (CP)

Critically analyzes the core ideas of chaos theory to determine whether they are worth teaching and explores the accessibility of these ideas for students. The studies are embedded in a Model of Educational Reconstruction which seeks to bring science content structure concerns and educational concerns into balance and interaction with one another.…

Summarizes major findings of the Harvard Project Physics research and evaluation activity, including data gathering techniques, descriptions of teacher characteristics, information about student responses and learning environments, and final evaluation year results. Indicates that the evaluation program is characterized by considerable research on…

This document highlights the aims and activities of a project designed to modernize and update physics teaching and physics curriculum in the Netherlands by developing materials for use with students aged 12-18 at intermediate general, higher general, and pre-university schools. Following general information (including a brief description of the…

As appendices to the final report on Project Physics (SE 015 500), this volume includes parts of the original documents concerning the project development. Articles published in the "Physics Teacher" are included in reprint form. Evaluation and research papers along with related materials issued in other publications are grouped into…

A formative evaluation model was used to evaluate a physics curriculum for technical vocational high schools. The evaluation focused upon the curriculum materials; the student in the classroom, in small groups, and as an individual; students' conceptual frameworks; and students' ability to cope. (GDC)

The introduction and six articles of this special issue focus on curriculum evaluation in the Netherlands, reviewing approaches and results in the nation overall, and in the specific areas of physics, mathematics, and English. The use of innovative approaches and practice profiles is also explored. (SLD)