In this (free and virtual) workshop, participants experienced learning physics through the Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE) approach. The ISLE approach helps students learn physics and develop confidence that they can do it by engaging in activities that mirror scientific practice.

The ISLE approach involves students working in groups on carefully selected activities that are logically connected to reflect science processes. To construct physics concepts and relations the students conduct carefully selected observational experiments, collect data and identify patterns, develop models, and test them in new experiments. To bridge physical phenomena and abstract mathematics students use graphical representations such as motion and force diagrams, momentum and energy bar charts and many others. These representations serve as reasoning tools and are especially useful for those who have difficulties with algebra or calculus.