Constructing an Understanding of Physics
Rockhurst University has received Title II Improving Teacher Quality Grants to offer Constructing Physics Understanding (CPU) and Physics for Elementary School Teacher Institues (PET) yearly since 2002. In 2005, Rockhurst received a 3 year Title II grant to offer a complete physics curriculum to a cohort of 24 elementary and middle school teachers and 6 pre-service teachers in academic years 2006/2007, 2007/2008 and 2008/2009. The details of this 3- year grant program are outlined below, and the teachers’ grade-appropriate physics curriculum modules can be accessed through a link on the left side of this webpage. Teachers will implement these modules in their classrooms and collect pre/post data from their students to be used for a state evaluative assessment of the grant workshop. The purpose of this website is to disseminate the teachers’ modules so that other teachers, using a CPU/PET constructivist curriculum, can access preplanned modules designed for their grade level.
Physics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers - Constructing an Understanding of Physics consists of summer 2006, 2007 and 2008 institutes for grades 4 – 8 science and math teachers with five implementation insitutes during each subsequent academic year. The primary goals of the three-year project are: 1) to strengthen teachers’ conceptual understanding of physical principles (Energy, Force and Motion in Year 1; Energy, Magnetism and Current Electricity in Year 2; Energy, Heat and Light in Year 3) and the associated mathematical concepts and practices (fractions, proportions, linear vs. nonlinear functions, graphing, slope); 2) to assist teachers in developing pedagogical skills to teach these concepts by implementing inquiry-based, hands-on science and math curricula; and 3) to augment elementary and middle school students’ abilities in science and math as measured through student assessment and standardized tests. Project goals will be realized through collaborative efforts among the physics and science education departments of Rockhurst, the administrators, principals, instructional coaches of targeted school districts, and both in-class and pre-service teachers.
Teachers work in teams in the summer institute to conduct experiments that merge hands-on, guided inquiry instruction with computer technology. Classroom implementation of the content and pedagogy learned is supported through 1) the teachers’ development of DESE standard-based curriculum modules using project pedagogy and content, 2) site visits by project staff to collaborative schools during the academic year to support the institute objectives and aid in the use of assessment data to monitor the effectiveness of instruction, and 3) involvement by the targeted schools’ principals and administrators to support educational change with the goal of improving student achievement. Rockhurst University pre-service science teacher preparation will be strengthened as pre-service teachers participate in the workshop, learn content through the constructivist pedagogy, and collaborate with in-class teachers to develop curriculum modules and assist in classroom implementation. For more information, please contact:
Dr. Nancy Donaldson
Asst. Professor of Physics
Rockhurst University
(816) 501-4634
Nancy.donaldson@rockhurst.edu
To view the results of Rockhurst’s state assessment from prior grant cycles, please visit http://www.pdeval.missouri.edu/cycle_4.html