UW Department of Physics
 
Physics by Inquiry
L.C. McDermott and the Physics Education Group at the University of Washington
Volumes I & II
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1996, ISBN 0471548707

Introduction

Physics by Inquiry is a set of laboratory-based modules that provide a step-by-step introduction to physics and the physical sciences. Through in-depth study of simple physical systems and their interactions, students gain direct experience with the process of science. Starting from their own observations, students develop basic physical concepts, use and interpret different forms of scientific representations, and construct explanatory models with predictive capability. All the modules have been explicitly designed to develop scientific reasoning skills and to provide practice in relating scientific concepts, representations, and models to real world phenomena.

Contents

Physics by Inquiry consists of three volumes. The first two are subtitled: An introduction to physics and the physical sciences. Volume I develops fundamental concepts and basic reasoning skills essential for the physical sciences. The material included in Volume II provides a foundation for the study of introductory physics. With the exception of Electromagnets and Astronomy by Sight, Volumes I and II can be used independently. Volume III, which is subtitled: An introduction to physics, is under preparation and will introduce additional topics from the standard introductory course.
 

Volume I: Properties of Matter, Heat and Temperature, Light and Color, Magnets, Astronomy by Sight: The Sun, Moon, and Stars

Volume II: Electric Circuits, Electromagnets, Light and Optics, Kinematics, Astronomy by Sight: The Earth and the Solar System

Equipment Lists

Links to equipment lists for all the Physics by Inquiry modules can be found here.

Note to Instructor

Physics by Inquiry has been designed for courses in which the primary emphasis is on discovering rather than on memorizing and in which teaching is by questioning rather than by telling. Such a course allows time for open-ended investigations, dialogues between the instructor and individual students, and small group discussions. A major goal is to help students think of physics not as an established body of knowledge, but rather as an active process of inquiry in which they can participate.

Physics by Inquiry is particularly appropriate for preparing preservice and inservice K-12 teachers to teach science as a process of inquiry. The modules can also be used to help underprepared students succeed in the mainstream science courses that are the gateway to majors in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. For these student populations, as well as for those in the liberal arts, the curriculum helps establish a sound foundation for the building of scientific literacy.

Physics by Inquiry has an accompanying Instructor's Guide for college and university faculty (available from the Physics Education Group). It has several purposes: to suggest how the materials can be most effectively used with different student populations, to help the instructor anticipate student difficulties, to provide information about the equipment, to describe the demonstrations referred to in the text, and to convey the purpose of unusual exercises and experiments.

Note to Students

Physics by Inquiry is not meant to be passively read. The modules do not provide all the information and reasoning included in a conventional text. There are gaps that must be bridged by the student. The process of science cannot be learned by reading, listening, memorizing, or problem-solving. Effective learning requires active mental engagement.

Physics by Inquiry contains narrative, experiments and exercises, and supplementary problems. As the course progresses, student notebooks become an important resource.

  • Narrative: The includes statements of fact, definitions, and examples of the kind of reasoning that is expected of students.

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  • Experiments and exercises: Experiments and exercises are inset from the narrative and should be done as they are encountered.

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  • Supplementary problems: A collection of problems at the end of each module provides additional practice in applying physical concepts and scientific reasoning skills.

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  • Student notebooks: Students maintain notebooks in which they record observations, do exercises and problems, and reflect on how their understanding is evolving. In this way, they create an indispensable reference that complements the text and serves as an individualized study guide.
    • Development of Physics by Inquiry

    Physics by Inquiry is the product of more than 25 years of intensive, collaborative effort by the Physics Education Group in the Physics Department at the University of Washington. Directed by Lillian C. McDermott, the group includes faculty, research associates, and graduate students. Members of the group conduct in-depth investigations of student understanding through which they identify and analyze specific difficulties that students encounter in studying physics. This research has provided the foundation for the design of the instructional strategies that are incorporated in Physics by Inquiry.

    Physics by Inquiry has been developed through an iterative, interactive process of research, curriculum development, and instruction. The participation of the Physics Education Group in the instructional program of the Physics Department has made it possible to design, test, and modify the curriculum in a continuous cycle on the basis of regular feedback from the classroom. In addition to monitoring the effectiveness with students at the University of Washington, the Physics Education Group has been able to draw on the experience of instructors at other institutions who have pilot-tested earlier editions of the modules. The extensive testing and subsequent revision that have been an integral part of the development process have helped ensure that Physics by Inquiry is well-matched to the students for whom it is intended.


    Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation


    Physics by Inquiry is available from:

    John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
    695 Third Ave.
    New York, NY 10158-0012

    To order an examination copy:
    Contact: (212) 850-6118 (Fax)
    or the Wiley web site
     
     
     
     

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