Recent studies have uncovered a disconcerting deficiency in the ability of physics students to conceptualize motion concepts. This problem is most acute with lower level students who usually have weak mathematical skills. Conceptual confusion further complicates the problems. Too often the end result of this frustration is an unwillingness to put forth the necessary effort. Consequently, introductory physics classes tend to considerably shrink the pool of disadvantaged students who can enter engineering technology fields or even become technically literate. We will immerse the low-level and disadvantaged students in a lab environment and allow them to learn physics by grappling first with concepts and then building upon that learning so that they can better handle algebraic solutions. This will be done by implementing microcomputer-based labs and adopting the Workshop Physics model of Laws to a technical physics environment. It is expected that as a result of this project more educationally disadvantaged students will be able to handle the rigors of physics and ultimately become accomplished engineering technicians.
