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Paradigms in Physics
Developed by: Oregon State University Physics Department
Level
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middle schoolhigh schoolintro collegeinter-mediateupper levelgrad school other
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middle schoolhigh schoolintro collegeinter-mediateupper levelgrad school other
Topics
![Mechanics](../images/methods/icons/50.png)
![Electricity / Magnetism](../images/methods/icons/51.png)
![Waves / Optics](../images/methods/icons/52.png)
![Thermal / Statistical](../images/methods/icons/53.png)
![Modern / Quantum](../images/methods/icons/54.png)
![Mathematical](../images/methods/icons/55.png)
![Mechanics](../images/methods/icons/50.png)
![Electricity / Magnetism](../images/methods/icons/51.png)
![Waves / Optics](../images/methods/icons/52.png)
![Thermal / Statistical](../images/methods/icons/53.png)
![Modern / Quantum](../images/methods/icons/54.png)
![Mathematical](../images/methods/icons/55.png)
Setting
![Lecture - Large (30+ students)](../images/methods/icons/10.png)
![Lecture - Small (<30 students)](../images/methods/icons/14.png)
![Recitation/Discussion Session](../images/methods/icons/11.png)
![Lab](../images/methods/icons/12.png)
![Homework](../images/methods/icons/13.png)
![Studio](../images/methods/icons/15.png)
![Lecture - Large (30+ students)](../images/methods/icons/10.png)
![Lecture - Small (<30 students)](../images/methods/icons/14.png)
![Recitation/Discussion Session](../images/methods/icons/11.png)
![Lab](../images/methods/icons/12.png)
![Homework](../images/methods/icons/13.png)
![Studio](../images/methods/icons/15.png)
Overview
What? Activities for upper-level physics including kinesthetic activities, computer simulations, integrated whiteboarding, and other small group activities. Can be incorporated into a standard course, or used as part of a restructuring of the undergraduate curriculum.
Student skills developed
Designed for:
- Conceptual understanding
- Problem-solving skills
- Lab skills
- Making real-world connections
- Using multiple representations
Can be adapted for:
- Metacognition
Instructor effort required
- High
Resources
Developer's website: Paradigms in Physics
Teaching Materials
You can download activities, activity sequences, homework problems, and teaching tips for free from the Paradigms in Physics curricular materials website.
Research
RESEARCH VALIDATION
![](../images/sbDetailBronze.png)
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
- D. Demaree, Applying ISLE Ideas to Active Engagement in the Spins Paradigm, presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2010, Portland, Oregon, 2010.
- P. Emigh, E. Gire, C. Manogue, G. Passante, and P. Shaffer, Research-based quantum instruction: Paradigms and Tutorials, Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 16 (2), 020156 (2020).
- I. Founds, P. Emigh, and C. Manogue, Student responses to chain rule problems in thermodynamics, presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2017, Cincinnati, OH, 2017.
- E. Gire and C. Manogue, Resources Students Use to Understand Quantum Mechanical Operators, presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2008, Edmonton, Canada, 2008.
- E. Gire and C. Manogue, Making sense of quantum operators, eigenstates and quantum measurements, presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2011, Omaha, Nebraska, 2011.
- M. Kustusch, C. Manogue, and E. Price, Design tactics in curriculum development: Examples from the Paradigms in Physics ring cycle, Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 16 (2), 020145 (2020).
- C. Manogue, L. Cerny, E. Gire, D. Mountcastle, E. Price, and E. van Zee, Upper-Division Activities That Foster “Thinking Like A Physicist”, presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2010, Portland, Oregon, 2010.
- C. Manogue and E. Gire, Cognitive Development at the Middle-Division Level, presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2009, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2009.
- C. Manogue, E. Gire, D. McIntyre, and J. Tate, Representations for a spins-first approach to quantum mechanics, presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2011, Omaha, Nebraska, 2011.
- C. Manogue, E. Gire, and D. Roundy, Tangible Metaphors, presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2013, Portland, OR, 2013.
- C. Manogue, P. Siemens, J. Tate, K. Browne, M. Niess, and A. Wolfer, Paradigms in Physics: A new upper-division curriculum, Am. J. Phys. 69 (9), 978 (2001).
- E. van Zee and C. Manogue, Documenting and Interpreting Ways to Engage Students in ‘Thinking Like a Physicist’, presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2010, Portland, Oregon, 2010.
- J. Zwolak and C. Manogue, Assessing student reasoning in upper-division electricity and magnetism at Oregon State University, Phys. Rev. ST Phys. Educ. Res. 11 (2), 020125 (2015).