Current projects
University Student Conceptual Resources for Understanding Physics
This project takes as a premise that students’ ideas are fundamentally sensible — that they think what they think for good reason. Specifically, we are working to identify the resources students use to understand forces and mechanical waves in the context of introductory physics instruction. Using the results of this research, we are developing and testing curricular materials that build on student resources.
Content Knowledge for Teaching Energy
In this project, we develop and validate a set of coherent measures of content knowledge for teaching energy in physics while we support and evaluate teachers through professional development.
Focus on Energy for Elementary Teachers
In this project, we develop and investigate a professional development program for elementary teachers to learn about energy and capitalize on students’ productive ideas.
Periscope: Looking into learning in best-practices physics classrooms
In this project, we create and disseminate Periscope, a set of materials for university physics educator development based on compelling classroom video of best-practices university physics instruction.
Opportunities
We welcome undergraduate researchers for senior or honors research projects. Graduate studies in physics education research are offered in partnership with the doctoral program in the School of Education. We also enjoy hosting visiting scholars in physics education research for intensive research collaborations, exchanges, or sabbaticals. Contact Amy Robertson.