Teaching Physics as a Process of Inquiry

Saturday 27 May 10:30 a.m.

Workshop - 20 spaces

This workshop will focus on Physics by Inquiry*, a set of laboratory-based modules that provide a step-by-step introduction to physics and the physical sciences. The modules have been developed on the basis of extensive classroom experience and many years of research on the learning and teaching of physics. In addition to hands-on experience with the instructional materials, workshop participants will also gain an understanding of how physics education research has guided the design of the modules. Physics by Inquiry emphasizes the process of science. Starting from their own observations, students develop basic physical concepts, use and interpret different forms of scientific representations, and construct explanatory models that have predictive capability. The modules do not teach by telling; students are required to take an active role.

*L.C. McDermott and the Physics Education Group at the University of Washington, Physics by Inquiry, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1996.