Force Concept Inventory (FCI), Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation (FMCE), and Mechanics Baseline Test (MBT)

Early Catalysts for Change in Physics Education Research

The FCI, FMCE, and MBT are some of the oldest recognized concept inventories in Physics Education Research. Their impact stretches back to late 1900’s and their legacy includes continuing to shape contemporary research questions. In this talk, we will cover the history of these instruments, their domains and applicability, the advantages of each, and explore some valuable critiques. Additionally, we discuss how to use (and not to use) these instruments to inform decisions about one’s day-to-day teaching.

This event is free, and is offered online using Zoom.

During the 2025-2026 academic year, we are offering a series of presentation-discussion-workshops to share some of the many research-validated assessment instruments used in the physics education community. Join us to learn how you can use these instruments to inform your teaching, to assess your students' learning, and to contribute to a wider body of knowledge about physics students at two-year colleges.

Facilitators:

• Jeffrey Marx (McDaniel College, MD)
• Brian Lee (Santa Fe College, FL)

Resources:

• Comparing the Force and Motion Concept Evaluation and the Force Concept Inventory (Phys. Rev. ST Phys. Educ. Res. 5, 010105, 2009)