Collaborative Research: AID DCL: Community and Resources for Introductory Physics Labs

NSF Award Search · 04002526DB NSF STEM Education · $949,555 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project aims to serve the national interest by promoting best practices in introductory experimental physics. This Level 2 Institutional and Community Transformation project will support introductory physics lab instructors to redesign their labs according to strategies proven by physics education research. Physics labs focused on developing experimentation skills improve students' critical thinking ability and views on experimentation compared to labs focused on reinforcing lecture concepts. These impacts are positive for students. This project will create and sustain an Introductory Physics Labs Institute to create community and resources for introductory physics labs. The significance of this project is in developing instructor expertise, implementing educational innovations, and adapting existing educational innovations for specific teaching and learning environments. The project will also disseminate teaching and learning innovations broadly. The project will build and support an expansive community of passionate lab instructors eager to implement effective, experimentation-focused labs at their institutions. Lab instructors will contribute their instructional resources to an online resource created by this project, the Introductory Physics Labs Portal, modeled on existing highly successful portals developed by the American Association of Physics Teachers. The project applies an asset-based agentic paradigm for faculty change. The scope of this project includes

Key facts

NSF award ID
2438920
Awardee
University of Washington (WA)
SAM.gov UEI
HD1WMN6945W6
PI
Rachel E Scherr
Primary program
04002526DB NSF STEM Education
All programs
Improv Undergrad STEM Ed(IUSE), UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Estimated total
$949,555
Funds obligated
$949,555
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
07/15/2025 → 06/30/2029