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

Howes, R. and Hilborn, R. "Winds of Change" Amer. J. Phys., 68(5), 401-2, Physics Reform is Needed

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.

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 life- science students? Four principles to guide our response:

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% Female51% Male Calculus 20% Female80% Male

Class Standing Algebra / trig FroshSoph JrSr 8% 30% 41%21% Calculus FroshSoph JrSr 58% 21% 10%11%

Academic Major/ Career Goals Algebra / trig Hlth CrScienceEnginOther 70% 19% 1% 10% Calculus Hlth CrScienceEnginOther 8% 21% 62% 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

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 What issues confront the algebra- based 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?

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