Inquiry Oriented Physics


This course is not currently offered






What is Inquiry Oriented Physics (IOP)?

The IOP course is designed to give teachers of physical science a thorough grounding in several areas of introductory physics. At the same time, the curriculum provides a model of inquiry-oriented pedagogy, that is embodied in the National Science Education Standards.

IOP encourages students to construct physics understanding for themselves through direct hands-on experience of simple physical phenomena. A significant emphasis is placed on critical thinking and the development of scientific reasoning skills. Students are given practice in relating the concepts and predictive models they develop to real world phenomena.

The IOP course is based on the text, Physics by Inquiry, which was developed primarily for K-12 teacher preparation and enhancement. The instructional strategies that it embodies were devised through research by the Physics Education Group at the University of Washington. The curriculum has been thoroughly tested and has been shown to be effective in bringing about student understanding.


Who should attend?

This course is for teachers who currently teach physics or physical science. Teachers in other areas who may teach these subjects in the future or who are interested in introducing inquiry-oriented instruction into the science classroom are also welcome.


When and Where does the course meet?

This is normally a three-week course offered in June-July.
The class usually meets daily Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM.
All class meetings are held at the CSUSM campus in San Marcos.


Course Benefits

Teachers who complete this two-week summer course will receive:
  • a free copy of the two-volume Physics by Inquiry textbook

  • help with adapting the IOP activities for the K-12 classroom

  • three units of physics credit from CSUSM (for a small fee, approximatley $135), if needed.


Participant Responsibilities

Teachers participating in this course will be expected to:
  • keep a detailed laboratory notebook work
  • complete all coursework
  • attempt to apply aspects of inquiry-oriented physics in their classroom


Topics

The specific topics in to be covered in IOP 2002 are:
  • Kinematics
  • Light & Optics OR Heat and Temperature
In previous years, the topics covered have included: Heat & Temperature, Kinematics, Electric Circuits, Light & Optics, Electrostatics, Magnetism, and Astronomy.

What does it cost?

  • course fee - $635 per participant (includes textbook and materials)

  • approximately $135 for three units of physics credit (if desired)


Instructors

Dr. Graham Oberem

Dr. Oberem has extensive experience teaching inquiry-oriented Physics courses for pre- and in-service teachers. From 1991-96, he was involved with the development, writing, and testing of the text: Physics by Inquiry, at the University of Washington. Dr. Oberem's research interest is in the use of computers in teaching physics. He is currently an Associate Professor of Physics at CSUSM.

Dr. Paul G. Jasien

Dr. Jasien has developed numerous physical science laboratory activities based on inquiry-oriented pedagogy. Since 1992, he has been actively involved in pre- and in-service science teacher training at CSUSM. Dr. Jasien's research interests are in student misconceptions in science and factors that influence student success in science. He is currently a Full Professor of Chemistry at CSUSM.


To Apply

Please email us for information about how to apply. Please watch this web site for information updates about the course. The number of participants in the course will be limited.


Further Information

For further information please contact the instructors:

Dr. Graham Oberem
(760)-750-8034
oberem@csusm.edu

 or

 Dr. Paul Jasien
(760)-750-4135
jasien@csusm.edu

FAX: (760) 750-3439