‘Physics First' summer program puts teachers in the classroom

$3 Million grant brings teachers together for three weeks for hands-on learning

Teachers across the state of Missouri are gathered on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus to learn all they can about force, motion and energy. It's the summer academy for teachers taking part in Physics First. The new program, funded by a $3 million grant, will equip teachers with the tools they need to give 9th graders a head start in science.

"The project's long-term goal is to increase the proficiency of students in science as evidenced by MAP scores, increase the number of highly qualified physics and physical science teachers, and to increase students' interest and success in science and engineering degrees," said Meera Chandrasekhar, professor of Physics.

The summer academy lasts three weeks and will be held again in 2007 and 2008 on different physics-related topics. Academy participants will be supported during the school year with four Saturday follow-up sessions, monthly site visits from coach-mentors and meetings of professional learning teams.

Through June 30, MU is hosting 60 science teachers, 15 math teachers and 15 administrators from 20 school districts across Missouri. The teachers are busy from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with hands-on projects in the physics labs. They also participate in professional learning teams, which will provide support during the school year. In addition, teachers receive kits of materials for use in classrooms and graduate credit.

"The goal of the academy is to provide professional development for 9th grade science and math teachers so they can teach a full-year course in physics for 9th graders called Physics First," Chandrasekhar said.

Physics First is funded by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education through a math-science partnership grant. The program is led by the University of Missouri-Columbia and Columbia Public Schools. Sara Torres is the principal investigator from the Columbia Public Schools. Faculty involved in the program include Chandrasekhar, lead investigator from MU; Dorina Kosztin, assistant professor of Physics; Mark Volkmann, associate professor of Science Education; James Tarr, assistant professor of Math Education; and Kandiah Manivannan, associate professor of Physics, Missouri State University.

Links:

Meera Chandrasekhar  
Department of Physics and Astronomy