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One point - there is more vocabulary in Biology than in the first 2 years of a foreign language! And the emphasis on biochemistry in biology now makes it even more difficult for many 9th grade students than learning the graphing techniques needed to analyze physics in 9th grade. In my experience, biochemistry concepts are even more abstract than the math needed to do physics, because there is nothing the students can see or relate to concretely. Modeling helps, but there is a limit to what models can do if the students cannot visualize the process being described.
If the algebra teachers and physics teachers work together, then the algebra develops as the physics progresses.
At 11:58 PM 4/14/2007, 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/ <http://cse.edc.org/curriculum/foundationscience/%A0%A0%A0>
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
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