Physics First Workshop-- Summary

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Physics First Workshop-- Summary
What does Physics First mean ? Physics
for all----yes Physics in 9-th grade---yes
Science sequence PCB--- yes Regents physics---
?? (Todays vs future exam), assessment in
general ---?? One course or two courses---- ??
Use of math vs use of math--- ??
Teaching pedagogy conceptual, active physics,
modeling ??
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The Problems Logistic Getting
administration to agree Teacher shortage
(Teacher Ed and Univ. Phys. Depts) Room
and Equipment shortage Cultural Getting
administration to agree Is this REAL
Physics? (Mickey Mouse, transcript) Can
9-th graders do it? (math, prior knowledge,
language) Do teachers of 12-th grade
physics want to do it? Do teachers of
other sciences want to do it? How to
overcome inertia, fear and hatred? Pedagogic
Disagreement among proponents
Regents or not ?, One vs two?, Active vs
Conceptual ? How to assess ? Evidence
of success
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The successes 9-th
Graders can do physics--- Olga, Mark, Flo More
females and minorities are succeeding in
science and pursuing more advanced courses
Over 250 individual schools San Diego, Prince
Georges, Little Rock, North Babylon, (Boston?)
school districts have adopted a Physics First
sequence. This implies that many of the problems
listed previously have been, or can be, solved.
Can these be used as paradigms for the rest of
the nation ??
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Some Personal Comments I have learned
a lot during these three days. I know my pre and
post exam scores would be very different I see
the need for Physics First for four reasons
To put the science sequence in a rational order
To include scientific methodology (process) in
curriculum To get away from the present
problem-solving emphasis and put concepts first
which would make physics accessible to ALL
students Note I am not advocating no math.
Just change the priority. Use the math to enhance
conceptual understand, not obscure it To make
physics interesting, exciting and even fun