Undergraduate Physics Curricula and Tools

Research-Based Curricula for Introductory Physics

Tutorials in Introductory Physics
A rigorously tested supplementary program developed by Lillian C. McDermott’s group at the University of Washington to enhance concept development in introductory physics.

An assembly of activity-based materials, grounded in PER, by leading physics education reformers and curriculum developers.

Teaching Physics with the Physics Suite
An instructors' guide to The Physics Suite, with the PER basis explained and additional tools presented; by Edward F. Redish, University of Maryland.

Real Time Physics
Aa series of introductory laboratory modules that use computer data acquisition tools to help students develop important physics concepts while acquiring vital laboratory skills. Developed by David Sokoloff of University of Oregon, Ron Thornton of Tufts University, and Priscilla Laws of Dickinson College.

Workshop Physics
A lecture-free approach with learning through activities and observations, developed by Priscilla Laws.

Interactive Lecture Demonstrations
Demonstrations that involve students in making and testing predictions; developed by David Sokoloff and Ron Thornton.

Cooperative Group Problem Solving
A problem-solving strategy from Ken and Pat Heller at the University of Minnesota.

Just-in-Time Teaching
An internet-based approach that builds instruction around questions posed to students the night before each class, developed by Gregor Novak at IU-PUI and Evelyn Patterson of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Matter and Interactions
A first-principles approach to introductory physics that develops and applies the atomic model; developed by Ruth Chabay and Bruce Sherwood at North Carolina State University.

Teaching Introductory Physics
A comprehensive exploration of pedagogical issues in student learning of physics. Includes an update of the previously published Guide to Introductory Physics Teaching. Arnold Arons, Wiley, 1997.

Research-Based Curricula for Future Elementary Teachers

Physics and Everyday Thinking (PET)
A highly interactive, hands-on introductory course suitable for preservice elementary teachers; developed by Fred Goldberg at San Diego State University.

Powerful Ideas in Physical Science (PIPS)
A six-volume inquiry-based curriculum from AAPT for future elementary teachers.

Curricula for Other Physics Courses

Paradigms in Physics
The Paradigms in Physics Program at Oregon State University is a restructuring of the traditional upper-division curriculum to be more modern, more flexible, and more inclusive.

Physics, The Human Adventure: From Copernicus to Einstein and Beyond. S. Brush, Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, NJ, 2001.

Other Resources

References to Support the Guidelines for Self-Study and External Evaluation of Undergraduate Physics Programs
A list of references from AAPT.

Content Assessment Resources
A list of resources for research-based content assessments for undergraduate physics courses.

Physical Science Resource Center
A web-based databank that provides K-20 teachers links to a wide range of teaching and learning resources in the physical sciences.

Physics Demonstrations
APS maintains a page on physics demos that can be used to enhance lecture classes.