Physics Union Mathematics

P∪M is an Exploratory Project that strongly links middle and high school physics curricula and builds on the intrinsic mathematical reasoning to develop and strengthen students’ mathematical concepts at the prealgebra, algebra and algebra 2 levels. Although many existing curricula have included natural integration of these subjects in the past, in P∪M a purposeful integration of mathematics standards is embedded into the curriculum so students master all of the mathematics concepts relevant to their grades. In addition, no current curriculum links directly a middle and high school curricula as proposed by P∪M —in general materials are either developed for middle or high school level.

Introduction: Goals of the project

During the last six years the co-PIs have developed a NSF supported learning system called Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE, Etkina & Van Heuvelen, 2001, 2007). ISLE students utilize the processes of science and cognitive strategies to construct physics and mathematics concepts and develop scientific abilities. The Physics Active Learning Guide (ALG by Van Heuvelen and Etkina and published by Addison-Wesley) is a comprehensive college-level algebra-based book of activities that supports the instruction. ISLE has been a highly successful college physics curriculum. Preliminary research indicates that ISLE students acquire content knowledge better than students in traditionally taught courses and have learning gains competitive with top active engagement programs. In addition ISLE students acquire various science process abilities (Etkina et al., 2006). We believe that this comprehensive learning system in conjunction with the ALG can have a significant impact on secondary physics and mathematics education. We propose to devise middle and high school curriculum by adapting ISLE to those levels and enhancing the ALG. This work will result in a 6 - 12th grade physical science, physics, and mathematics learning continuum—a union of physics and mathematics called P∪M.
The goals of P∪M are to:

• Develop, pilot, and assess middle and high school Physics First P∪M modules: “Kinematics”, “Linear Dynamics”, “Energy”, “Matter” and “Electrostatics”.
• Develop and implement a teacher professional development program for users of the P∪M curriculum.
• Research the effects of different levels of enactment of the curriculum.
• Develop a Curriculum and Implementation Development Plan for a full-scale P∪M.

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant DRL-0733140. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation (NSF).