Einsteinian Physics in the Classroom: Integrating Physical and Digital Learning Resources in the Context of an International Research Collaboration

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

This study reports on a pilot program conducted by members of the international Einsteinian Physics Education Research (EPER) Collaboration that aims to pool and combine innovative learning approaches in Einsteinian Physics. The collaboration also aims to disseminate learning resources and research results across a range of countries. In this study, we describe an integrated pilot programme that combines physical models and digital resources to explore secondary school students' (Grade 10, 15 years old) conceptual understanding in the learning domain of Einsteinian physics. After the teaching units "gravity and warped time", "gravity is geometry", and "quantum weirdness", we found that students had gained knowledge of key concepts in the learning domain of Einsteinian Physics. The units rely on physical models or digital learning resources. Both approaches proved successful in introducing Einsteinian concepts. By reporting on this integrated programme, we wish to share our model of an international physics education collaboration. Raising awareness for the need and possibility of introducing Einsteinian physics to school curricula, we hope to offer valuable impetus to the field of physics education that will inspire researchers and teachers alike.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1950016
JournalThe Physics Educator
Volume1
Issue number4
ISSN2661-3395
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 World Scientific Publishing Company.

    Research areas

  • Collaborative learning, curved spaces, quantum weirdness, time and gravity

ID: 359244025