
Physics Union Mathematics
Developed by: Eugenia Etkina, Suzanne Brahmia, Chis D'Amato, James Finley, Jim Flakker, Danielle Bugge, Richard Therkorn
Level









middle schoolhigh schoolintro collegeinter-mediateupper levelgrad school other

calc based

alg based

conceptual










middle schoolhigh schoolintro collegeinter-mediateupper levelgrad school other

calc based

alg based

conceptual
Topics




Setting








Overview
What? A physics/physical science curriculum that builds on intrinsic mathematical reasoning to develop and strengthen mathematical concepts. Supports students to build conceptual understanding of physics concepts, develop relevant mathematical reasoning, and learn to think like scientists.
Student skills developed
Designed for:
- Conceptual understanding
- Problem-solving skills
- Lab skills
- Using multiple representations
- Designing experiments
- Metacognition
Can be adapted for:
- Making real-world connections
Instructor effort required
- High
Resources required
- Projector
- Computers for students
- Advanced lab equipment
- Tables for group work
Resources
Developer's website: Physics Union Mathematics
Intro Article: T. Bartiromo, Searching for Evidence of Student Understanding, presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2010, Portland, Oregon, 2010.
Teaching Materials
Registered users can access the following modules free from the PUM website:
- Physics I (these can be used in middle school physical science courses, high school physical science courses, high school conceptual physics courses, and physics first courses): Motion; Forces, Energy, Matter.
- Physics II: (can be used in all high school physics courses including new AP I and II): Kinematics, Dynamics, Momentum, Energy, Electrostatic Forces, Electric Fields, DC circuits.
- In development (almost ready to be used) are Magnetism and Optics. These will appear soon.
Research
RESEARCH VALIDATION

This is the third highest level of research validation, corresponding to:
- at least 1 of the "based on" categories
- at least 1 of the "demonstrated to improve" categories
- at least 1 of the "studied using" categories
Research Validation Summary
Based on Research Into:
- theories of how students learn
- student ideas about specific topics
Demonstrated to Improve:
- conceptual understanding
- problem-solving skills
- lab skills
- beliefs and attitudes
- attendance
- retention of students
- success of underrepresented groups
- performance in subsequent classes
Studied using:
- cycle of research and redevelopment
- student interviews
- classroom observations
- analysis of written work
- research at multiple institutions
- research by multiple groups
- peer-reviewed publication
References
- T. Bartiromo, Searching for Evidence of Student Understanding, presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2010, Portland, Oregon, 2010.