This Teacher Enhancement project will increase the content background and teaching skills of 48 precollege physics teachers in Virginia through a three week summer workshop held at the University of Virginia in each of the next two years. A representative sample of the target population was intimately involved in the development and design of the workshop. The workshop content will emphasize modern topics in physics and the use of the computer as an instructional tool. The workshop staff will provide academic year follow-up in the classrooms of the participating teachers and through one or more formal group meetings during the academic year. A resource book of inexpensive physics demonstrations suitable for the high school classroom will be another outcome of the workshop. School districts of participating teachers will assure funds to provide the materials and equipment necessary for the teachers to implement the new topics in their physics instruction. The excellent needs assessment, the commitment of the school districts, the servicing of a distinct area of need, the relationship of the project to other related initiatives in the state of Virginia, and the extensive follow-up during the academic year by the staff of the project support and substantiate the award action.
