This project is centered around 2 three-week summer workshops for 30 participants each selected from among physics teachers in the uppermidwest. The workshops will stress use of PRISMS--Physics Resources and Instructional Strategies for Motivating Students. This teacher's guide has been developed and field tested by the Iowa Physics Task Force. Conference telephone calls and videotaped lessons will be part of follow-up activities. Each of the 2 three-week sessions will include instruction in mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. Participants will also study and apply learning models and integrate the PRISMS learning cycles with the texts that they use in their classrooms. During the academic year following the summer's activities, participants will be linked in small groups via telephone conference calls. In addition, each participating teacher will be required to supply one videotaped classroom lesson during each 12-week period. These will be evaluated by project staff. Requirements for selection include an assignment to teach physics in 1987-88, less than 18 semester hours of credit in physics, and a commitment to use PRISMS materials in their teaching. Statements of support from the school administrator must accompany the application. This includes the availability of certain video and telephone equipment. Participants will be housed at the University of Northern Iowa, the location of instruction, and their expenses will be borne by the grant. Each will receive a stipend of $200 per month. Three semester hours of graduate credit will be awarded for the summer workshop and another hour of credit will be awarded on completion of the academic year outreach activities. The primary administrative and instructional responsibility for the program will be lodged with Professor Unruh of the UNI physics department and Professor Cooney of the education department. Content lectures will also be given to seven physicists from the host institution. Six master teachers have been identified, and two will be in residence at all times during the summer workshops. In addition, they will assist in the evaluation of the videotaped lessons produced by participants during the academic year. This is a promising project which builds on demonstrated effectiveness.
