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

Overview

Course Description

This course is designed specifically for secondary school physics teachers. It is intended to meet three goals:

• First, to introduce the concept of the Nature of Science (NOS) and to provide methods to incorporate the teaching of NOS into standard physics curricula.
• Second, to explore alternative methods of curriculum design, instructional strategies, and other areas important in maintaining student interest and moving students toward deeper understanding of physics concepts.
• Third, to familiarize participants with various educational technologies and provide an opportunity to develop some facility with each. Participants are encouraged to experiment with these tools and to think creatively about how they might be used for both administrative and instructional purposes.

Practical material will be developed in each of the three stages that may be used as resources in future science teaching situations. Many of these assigments will be shared with classmates to maximize the benefit that each of you gain from this course.

Required Course Materials

Texts

• Randall D. Knight. (2002). Five Easy Lessons: Strategies for Successful Physics Teaching. Addison-Wesley, San Francisco.
• Henry Collins & Trevor Pinch. (1998). The Golem: What You Should Know about Science, 2nd Ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. (Any edition will do, but this is most recent.)
• National Science Education Standards available online in html here or in PDF format here. Also available in printed form for sale from the National Academy Press, Box 285, 2101 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20055. Call 800-624-6242 or 202-334-3313.

CD-ROM

• Some reading material, lectures, and resources will be provided on CD-ROMs.

Technology

• Computer with internet connection and CD-ROM drive.
• Microsoft Office (preferably at least Office 2000). This includes PowerPoint.
• Means for drawing simple diagrams and insertion into documents.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.
• Access to digital camera.
• Web Browser that is Java enabled and has Shockwave installed.
• QuickTime player installed.
• Supplementary materials to be distributed from time to time.

Contacting the Professor

Grading and Grade Determination

Honor Policy

Assignments

Grade Determination

We do not anticipate giving quizzes or exams for this course. Your grade will be solely determined by how you do on the weekly assignments. Part of the assignment usually includes you making comments on classmates' work. That is why it is essential for your own work to be completed on time.

We would also like to encourage everyone to remember that this is a graduate level course and should not be equated with the type of high school grading system that most of you are familiar with. In other words, we do not start with a 100 or A+ and deduct points for errors. We start with what is expected: a good paper or project that adequately fulfills the course requirements, has good grammar, good spelling and punctuation, and is clear and cogent in its thoughts. We move up or down accordingly. Here is a description of what the various grades for assignments represent:

• A An outstanding and thoughtful piece of work which shows evidence of reading and research beyond that which was assigned. The student has shown mastery of the subject and offers new insights which are well-supported by cogent and profound arguments. This generally means the graphics are well done and add to the work presented.
• B A standard, satisfactory piece of work which fulfills the assignment and shows a good grasp of the basic principles. There is substantial evidence of ability to analyse and utilize course content. A grade of B- indicates the work was really barely acceptable. A series of B- grades indicate the student is not likely to be successful in the course.
• C This work is not consistent with the level expected and is lacking in one or more significant areas. It does not show a grasp of some basic principles. A C is a failing grade in graduate school.

The University no longer mails out grade reports. To find out official grades for a course at UVa click here. For instructions to request an official transcript click here.

Additional Important Information

It is vital to have reliable email communication for this course. You are required to have a UVa email account. Click here for Instructions on Obtaining Your UVa Email.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.