Why Study Physics?

Physics Department Overview

Physics Degree Programs

Dual Degree
Physics/Engineering

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Facilities

Faculty & Staff

Teacher Education Program

Distinguished Lecture Series

Physics Students

Planetarium Programs

Job Openings

Search

Physics Homepage

SAH Homepage

PK-12 Learning Technologies in the Classroom Initiative

Principal Investigator: Dr. Gubbi R. Sudhakaran, Professor and Chair, Department of Physics, Phone: (608) 785 8431, E-Mail: sudhak@physics.uwlax.edu

Contact: Dr. Lucille Slinger, Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Phone:(608) 785 8417, E-Mail: slinger@mail.uwlax.edu

Project Title: Life At Hyperspeed: Use of Technology in a Primary Learning Environment

Project Description:

The intent of this project is to add a technology component to an in-progress, K-3 level physical science teacher enhancement project at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. The Operation Primary Physical Science (OPPS) project, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides the inservice curriculum materials to run physical science enhancement workshops for K-3 level teachers. The project curriculum emphasizes a hands-on/minds-on approach to science teaching which meets the national standards goals for content and recommended pedagogical practices.

Addition of a technology component will help teachers restructure the elementary grades science curriculum, making it more interesting and challenging. An enhanced computer-supported science curriculum will spark an intellectual curiosity in students and contribute to a lifetime of interest in the physical sciences.

Project Outcomes:

1. Increase ability for the teachers to conduct on-going collaboration for development and implementation of their physical science instruction via E-Mail, local bulletin-board and listserve interactions.
2. Increase the amount of exemplary science related technology software and computers available for team teacher's use with K-3 level children.
3. Provide a team of teachers for a district/building with some special expertise and training in use of the Internet as a teaching tool. E-Mail, and specific technology based science teaching practices so they may better function as "lead" teachers.
4. Provide the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Teacher Education Program with a cadre of local primary teachers who have experience with technology based teaching as models for preservice primary teachers.
5. Provide videotaped examples of developmentally appropriate technology based primary instruction for use in science methods and Early Childhood Program courses for preservice teachers.

Project Goals:

1. Use of technology to facilitate learning about physical science.
2. Utilization of educational software and information resources, and adaptation of curricula to make effective use of technology.
3. Provide K-3 teachers with the preparation and support to effectively integrate information technologies into their teaching.