The Algebra-based Physics
Reform Train Is Leaving
the Station:
Please Get on Board Now!
Robert G. Fuller
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
And
Paul Peter Urone
California State University Sacramento
Physics Reform is Needed
Howes, R. and Hilborn, R.
"Winds of Change"
Amer. J. Phys., 68(5), 401-2, 2000.
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.
Four principles to guide our response:
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 lifescience students?
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/trig
49% Female
51% Male
• Calculus
20% Female
80% Male
Class Standing
• Algebra / trig
Frosh
8%
Soph
30%
Jr
41%
Sr
21%
• Calculus
Frosh
58%
Soph
21%
Jr
10%
Sr
11%
Academic Major/
Career Goals
• Algebra / trig
Hlth Cr
70%
Science
19%
Engin
1%
Other
10%
• Calculus
Hlth Cr
8%
Science
21%
Engin
62%
Other
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 Evolution
Algebra/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)
HPP
The 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 Find
Additional Life-Science
Applications
•
•
•
•
The Physics Teacher
AAPT meetings
Most Algebra/trig texts
HPP Modules
www.doane.edu/hpp/
What issues confront the algebrabased physics reform movement?
Obstacles
• High School Physics
Often viewed as engineering prep
Physics First would change this!!
• University instructors perceived
unfamiliarity 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 website
www.doane.edu/hpp/
• Share your ideas
• Take a handout