Re: [Phys-l] Pilot 9th grade physics with inquiry

[Joseph Bellina <jbellina@saintmarys.edu>]

First, Jud won't get this message since he is not on the list, I just  
submitted his request for him.

Second, I think that if you look at recent literature on brain  
research, the ability of children to analyze, and changes in the way  
science courses are taught, you will find some surprises.  Most of  
what you say was believed 15 or 20 years ago, not so anymore.  I  
think the problem was how the courses were taught, science as a  
rhetoric of conclusions rather than science as a guided inquiry.  No  
one is suggesting that the physics course at the 9th grade is the  
same as what would be taught at the 11th or 12th, but we are also  
suggesting that the course at the 11th or 12th should not be what you  
note may be suggesting either.

I suggest you read a series of books published by the National  
Academy of Sciences, starting with How People Learn, and How Students  
Learn, and then Bringing Science to School.

cheers,

joe

Joseph J. Bellina, Jr. Ph.D.
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556

On Apr 15, 2007, at 12:58 AM, Joe Morin wrote:

> Jud,
>
> The question to ask your colleagues is why one would want to do this.
> Students at the 9th grade level do not have the algebra and trig  
> needed to
> do the physics. Their brains have not quite developed the power of  
> abstract
> thinking to visualize the problems ... let alone construct a  
> mathematical
> model to frame the problems ... and the math background to solve them.
> Perhaps they would be much better served in a course that emphasized
> categorization and memorization, for which their minds have become  
> capable
> of handling. That's why many educators feel Biology is the optimal  
> science
> course for 9th grade students.
>
> Joe
>
> Ps. Then Chemistry in 10th grade ... most students can now begin  
> simple
> abstract thinking, but struggle with simple algebra (forget trig).  
> Then
> physics (algebra works, but trig is a struggle). Then AP physics (if
> students are fluent in algebra & trig and/or calculus) ... some can  
> take
> this as 11th graders if they have fluency in math.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: physics-request@list.nsta.org [mailto:physics- 
> request@list.nsta.org]
> On Behalf Of Joseph Bellina
> Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:41 PM
> To: PHYS-L Maillist; physics@list.nsta.org;  
> physicalscience@list.nsta.org
> Subject: Pilot 9th grade physics with inquiry
>
> I recently received a request from some colleagues at the Educational
> Development Center to find teachers who would be willing to pilot a
> new 9th grade physics curriculum.
>
> The curriculum program, Foundation Science, is sponsored by the
> National Science Foundation and aligns with the National standards
> including the AAAS, MCREL, and National Research Council's guidelines
> for all the high school sciences  Our advisors, reviewers, and former
> field test teachers nation-wide include National Board Certified
> teachers, college professors and leaders in the field of teaching and
> professional development. There is also the possibility of a
> professional development opportunity associated with the field test.
>
> Their website: http://cse.edc.org/curriculum/foundationscience/
> provides more detail and the field test questionnaires.
>
> Below is the flyer for the physics course.  If you have interest
> colleagues, there are also courses in chemistry and in biology.  For
> more information, contact C. Judd Hill at EDC:
>
> Jud Hill
> Senior Research Associate
> Center for Science Education
> Education Development Center, Inc.
> 55 Chapel Street
> Newton, MA 02458-1060
>
> phone: 617-618-2642
> fax: 617-630-8439
> chill@edc.org
> Explore Foundation Science
> http://cse.edc.org/foundationscience/
>
>
>
> cheers,
>
> joe