Physics 641: Physics Pedagogy
An On-line Course for Teachers of Physics

Week 8 Assignment: Overview of Resources II

The resources that we have provided in the Readings could be evaluated on several criteria. We have chosen the following:

1. Quality of learning activities.
2. Concept maps. (For information on concept maps in physics, click here.)
3. Usefulness for addressing alternate conceptions.
4. Quality of support from vendor/program director.
5. Ease of integration into my classroom.
6. Assessment.

The assignment this week is to evaluate the strengths and weakesses of each of the six resources listed below. To do this, write 150 words on some of the strengths for each resource using at least two of the criteria listed above. Also write 50 words on some of the weaknesses of each of the six resources using at least two of the criteria.

Specifically, make sure that you use all of the criteria at least twice while discussing the strengths and weaknesses. Do not use the same criteria for all six resources, but thoughtfully evaluate each resource independent of the others. For each resource, list in order first the strengths and then the weaknesses (and then move on to the next resource). Take care that the essays are well organized and clear. The total assignment should be at least 1200 words, 150 words for the strengths of each resource and 50 words for the weaknesses of each resource.

1. Modeling
2. Constructing Physics Understanding (CPU)
3. PASCO
4. Vernier
5. Interactive Lecture Demonstrations
6. Ranking Task Exercises in Physics

This will be HW16 in Open Portfolio.

By March 16, 2006 you should submit a ranked list of several activities (at least three) for which you would like to do an indepth exploration for week 9. Do this by email to the Instructors. They will, in turn, choose one of the resources and let you know which one you will do. Only one person may work on a given resource, so it is important for you to not be tardy.

We will not have you formally critique each other's assignments, but we do want you to read them and give some feedback. Go into Open Portfolio and add your feedback to your peers' submissions. It will be interesting to look at each other's reactions. We will not assign a grade for Assignment 2, but we will deduct points for Assignment 1 if you do not leave feedback for all the other students.