Curriculum Map

Course Descriptions

Scientific Modeling and Computation for Teachers (2-3 credits)

What is a scientific model? How are scientific models used in science and in the science classroom? How can model-centered science instruction improve student understanding of the content and nature of science? This course surveys the use of scientific models and modeling in the classroom within the framework of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Topics include the modeling method of instruction, spreadsheet physics, and VPython programming. Prerequisites: General Physics 171-172 or equivalent, and permission from instructor.

Scientific Modeling and Computation for Teachers Sample Syllabus

Modern Physics for Teachers (2-3 credits)

Why is it impossible for material particles to travel faster than the speed of light? Why does the space traveler return to Earth younger than their twin? Is it really true that Schrodinger’s cat is both dead and alive? What is the probability of a person walking through a thick concrete slab unscathed? This course is an introduction to the mysterious world of Einstein’s special theory of relativity and quantum mechanics for the physics classroom. Teachers will study research-based methods to teach modern physics; learn to address related common student learning difficulties; and study introductory modeling lessons on relativity or quantum mechanics. Prerequisites: General Physics 171-172 or equivalent, and permission from instructor.

Modern Physics for Teachers Sample Syllabus

Waves and Applications for Teachers (2-3 credits)

Everything in nature is a wave! This course is a survey of waves, vibrations, and their many applications in everyday life. Topics include mechanical pulses, spring phenomena, vibrating strings (musical instruments), sound waves, and water waves. Key concepts include: wave reflection, interference, diffraction, resonance, and Fourier analysis. Teachers will study research-based methods to teach wave concepts; learn to address related student learning difficulties in this area; and study  NGSS-aligned, model-centered lesson on waves. Prerequisites: General Physics 171-172 or equivalent, and permission from instructor.

Waves and Applications for Teachers Sample Syllabus

Energy and Matter for Teachers (2-3 credits)

What is energy? What happens when energy is converted from one form to the other? This course examines the energy concept (classical and modern) and energy methods to solve practical physics problems. Key topics include: energy conservation, momentum conservation, mass-energy relations, scattering, and energy transitions. Additionally, the course examines the physics education research literature connected with this topic, including student learning difficulties, classroom technology, and assessment instruments. Prerequisites: General Physics 171-172 or equivalent, and permission from instructor.

Energy and Matter for Teachers Sample Syllabus

Electrostatics and Magnetism for Teachers (2-3 credits)

A review of electrostatics and magnetism for the physics classroom. Sample topics include electrical attraction and repulsion; the motion of a charge through electric and magnetic field; electromagnetic induction; and electric circuits. Real-life applications to be explored include electric motors and medical imaging. Teachers will study research-based methods to teach electrostatics and magnetism; learn to address related common student learning difficulties; and study NGSS-aligned, model-centered lessons on electrostatics or magnetism. Prerequisites: General Physics 171-172 or equivalent, and permission from instructor.

Electrostatics and Magnetism for Teachers Sample Syllabus

Capstone Project in Modeling for Teachers (3 credits)

An advanced exploration of scientific models and modeling in physics or physics education. Prerequisites: Bachelor’s Degree in Physics (GPA > 3.0 in physics courses) and Sec Ed 520-524, or permission from instructor. If interested, email Dr. Lattery (lattery@uwosh.edu).

Physics/Astronomy 746: Workshop on Current Topics