Implementing Physics First at El Dorado High School Earl Legleiter

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

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

The model is distributed over multiple representations

Multiple Representations a particle moving at constant velocity with explicit statements describing relationships

’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

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

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

Physics Needed for Chemistry  Particle Model Mass Kinematics Behavior Force Charge Energy  Particle Interactions

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

Chemistry Needed for Biology  Carbon chemistry  Covalent bonding  Polar molecules  Catalyst

Changes in Chemistry  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

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

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

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%

Freshman FCI Scores School YearFCI Post-test Scores ’99 – ’0037.4% ’00 – ’0143.5% ’01 – ’0243.5% ’02 – ’0354.0%

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

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

State Assessment Scores