The Algebra-based Physics Reform Train Is

Leaving the Station:

Please Get on Board Now!

Robert G. FullerUniversity of Nebraska - Lincoln

AndPaul Peter Urone

California State University Sacramento

Howes, R. and Hilborn, R.

"Winds of Change"Amer. J. Phys., 68(5), 401-2,

2000.

Physics Reform is Needed

Our Situation has Changed!

• Physics has expanded numerous subfields.

• The public views no longer the frontiers of science as physics.

• The educational environment has changed.

• Client disciplines consider teaching physics.

• The number of undergraduate physics majors is below pre-Sputnik levels while the total number of undergraduates has doubled.

1 . A wide spectrum of physicists recognize the need for change, but many still do not.

2. The fundamental unit of change is the department.

3. An undergraduate physics program is more than just the curriculum.

4. Every physics department is different.

The new environment is unlikely to return to its state of 30-some years ago. It may take sustained efforts on many fronts before we see substantial results.

How is this need for reform related to our life-science students?

Four principles to guide our response:

Major Types of Introductory Physics Courses

• Conceptual— some algebra

• College Physics— algebra/trig

• University Physics— calculus

Student Demographics

• Gender

• Class standing

• Academic Major/Career Goals

Gender

• Algebra/trig49% Female 51% Male

• Calculus20% Female 80% Male

Class Standing

• Algebra / trigFrosh Soph Jr Sr

8% 30% 41% 21%

• Calculus Frosh Soph Jr Sr

58% 21% 10% 11%

Academic Major/Career Goals

• Algebra / trigHlth Cr Science Engin Other

70% 19% 1% 10%

• Calculus Hlth Cr Science Engin Other

8% 21% 62% 9%

The Need for Applications in Teaching and Learning

• PER

• Student Response

• Calculus Reform

• Textbook Evolution

Physics Education Research

• Content Rich

• Conceptual Aspects

• Modeling

• Exploration

Student Response

• Anecdotal

• Course Evaluations

• Surveys

What lessons can we learn from the calculus reform movement?

Calculus Reform(They were there first)

• Pump, Not a Filter

• Lean and Lively

• Mathematical Modeling (4 modes)• Graphical, numerical, functional, verbal

• Curriculum Reform and Textbook Evolution -Nationally!

Textbook EvolutionAlgebra/Trig Physics

• Blocks and Pulleys Became Skiers and Elevators

• Worked Examples

• Other Pedagogical Advances

• Student-Relevant Applications

The Need for Life-Science Applications

• Calculus-Based Physics

• Algebra/trig-Based Physics

• Textbook Trends

• Humanizing Physics Project (An Example)

HPPThe Humanized Physics

Project

• NSF Funded Nebraska, Doane, Texas Tech, Mercy

• Teaching Modules

• Flexible Teaching Modalities

• www.doane.edu/hpp/

A Few Examples of Life-Science Applications

• Muscles, Bones and Joints• Oxygen Diffusion to the Cornea• Heat Transfer and Warm-Blooded Animals• Diagnostic and Therapeutic Ultrasound• Nerve Impulses• Vision• MRI• Ionizing Radiation…..

Where to FindAdditional Life-Science

Applications• The Physics Teacher• AAPT meetings• Most Algebra/trig texts• HPP Modules

www.doane.edu/hpp/

What issues confront the algebra-based physics reform movement?

Obstacles• High School Physics

Often viewed as engineering prep

Physics First would change this!!

• University instructors perceivedunfamiliarity with life science applications

• Lack of a national consensus on topics to add, topics to omit, topical sequence and level of presentation.

• Lack of an agreed upon mechanism by which to affect reform.

What should we do next?

•Board the Train!

• Visit the websitewww.doane.edu/hpp/

• Share your ideas

• Take a handout