In this (free and virtual) workshop, you will experience 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 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. 

Over the last 20 years we have developed a large library of materials and classroom techniques to help instructors implement this approach. Thousands of teachers all over the world are using it with success. Students learning physics through the ISLE approach not only score well on conceptual inventories (such as FCI) but most importantly develop abilities to design experiments, collect analyze data, devise and test hypotheses, communicate, and many others. They also feel that engaging in learning physics this way helps them in other courses and their future lives. Finally, they develop confidence in their ability to learn and overcome difficulties. To achieve these results, the instructors use ISLE-based textbook College Physics: Explore and Apply and accompanying the Active Learning Guide and the Instructor Guide.

A Facebook group called “Exploring and Applying Physics” with over 2200 members supports the community of ISLE users and those who wish to learn how to implement it. You are welcome to join it even before the workshop!

Audience:

This workshop is ideal for you if you are interested in facilitating more scientific thinking in your students using an interactive approach.

Facilitators:

• Eugenia Etkina (Rutgers University)
• Anna Karelina (Saint Mary's College of California)