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Implementing Physics First at El Dorado High School

Implementing Physics First at El Dorado High School. Earl Legleiter. EMS. Principle of Technology. Integrated Science. Biology. Ecology. Chemistry. Physics. Early ’90 Course Sequence. Modeling Method at ASU ’95 & ’96. Students design their own experimental procedures

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Implementing Physics First at El Dorado High School

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  1. Implementing Physics First at El Dorado High School Earl Legleiter

  2. EMS Principle of Technology Integrated Science Biology Ecology Chemistry Physics Early ’90 Course Sequence

  3. Modeling Method at ASU’95 & ’96 • Students design their own experimental procedures • Students must justify their interpretations of data in teacher-guided Socratic dialogs • Models created from experimental interpretations are deployed in carefully selected problems, each of which is designed to illustrate aspects of the model • Solutions are presented by students to the entire class on whiteboards

  4. The model is distributed over multiple representations

  5. Multiple Representationsa particle moving at constant velocity with explicit statements describing relationships

  6. ’98 Curriculum Problem • Principles of Technology • Was not challenging our best students • Out of field teacher • Biology major • Proposed Solution • Invert the curriculum • Offer Modeling Physics to freshman

  7. Barriers to Implementation Convince the district curriculum committee • Status quo of physics last • Physics is too hard • State Assessments

  8. Why physics first • Build knowledge of science and the concurrent use of mathematics following the hierarchical nature of science as it has unfolded over the past century • More students take advanced science • Improved college entrance exam scores

  9. Physics Needed for Chemistry • Particle Model • Mass • Kinematics Behavior • Force • Charge • Energy • Particle Interactions

  10. Physics Needed for Chemistry • Systems and Surroundings • Energy • Thermodynamics • Conservation of energy • Process Skills • Experimental Design • Data Analysis

  11. Chemistry Needed for Biology • Carbon chemistry • Covalent bonding • Polar molecules • Catalyst

  12. Used learning-cycle materials from the University of Oklahoma M. R. Abraham J. W. Renner E. Marek Adapted to a Modeling Approach Collaborative Action Research team Experienced teacher from neighboring school Dr. Ed Marek Changes in Chemistry

  13. Current EHS Science Sequence EMS Con. Physics Int. Science Chemistry Biology Adv. Biology Ecology Physics

  14. Physics First Evaluation • Force Concept Inventory • Worlds of Fun – Physics Olympics • Kansas State Science Assessment Scores

  15. FCI • Test conceptual understanding of mechanics • 30 multiple choice questions • Developed at ASU • Used as the standard in physics education research • Average gain nation-wide is 26% - 42%

  16. Freshman FCI Scores

  17. World of Fun Physics Olympics • Measurement on rides and a one hour multiple choice test • Physics students from a four state area compete • A. P. Students are included • First time freshman students enter the event

  18. Physics Olympics Results • One freshman group earned honorable mention recognition • All groups scored above the average

  19. State Assessment Scores

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