MNS Program of Study and Program Options
A program of study is recommended by the supervisory committee after conferring with the student. Core required courses are PHS 530, PHS 531, PHS 593 and PHS 598. The minimum number of semester hours required for the degree is 30. More may be required by the supervisory committee depending upon the background of the student and the nature of the proposed program. In some cases, undergraduate courses may be required to remove deficiencies. Specific information about the natural science program for high school physics teachers should be requested from the department’s coordinator.
We strongly recommend that teachers take a modeling workshop before our other courses, as modeling instruction is the foundation of our program. Most teachers find the modeling approach far superior to traditional instruction. It’s adaptable to all sciences.
The courses listed below are offered in the summer semesters, so as to be compatible with full-time appointments in the high school system nationwide. PHS 531, PHS 534, CHM 594 and PHS 598 are held each summer. Other courses are rotated every two to four years, according to teacher interest and need. Course schedules, syllabi, and supplementary documents are available at http://modeling.asu.edu/MNS/MNS.html. The following courses are offered currently in the summer semesters:
Category I: Teaching Methods with Intensive Content
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| PHS 530 / PHY 480 Methods of Teaching Physics I (Mechanics) (3 credits) | An inquiry approach to high school physics teaching that incorporates computer technology and insights from physics education research. Emphasis is placed on basic models and modeling in mechanics, developing skills in scientific discourse and presentation and assessment of student learning. Prerequisite: two semesters college physics. |
| PHS 531 Methods of Teaching Physics II (Microscopic Models of Electricity and Magnetism) (3 credits) | Expansion modeling techniques learned in PHS 530 to microscopic models of electricity and magnetism. Calculus concepts are included for AP-C physics courses. Prerequisite: PHS 530 or instructor approval. |
| PHS 534 Methods of Physical Science Teaching I (3 credits) | Physical science and mathematics content integrated into coherent instructional units. Design of curriculum and conduct of instruction for physical science courses in high school or middle school. Instruction with collaborative inquiry methods. |
| PHS 593 Applied Project: Action Research in Physical Science (1-3 credits) | A project-oriented course for in-service physical science teachers. Action research projects (aimed at practical improvements in teaching practice) will be undertaken by teams of two or more teachers. Projects begin with a written proposal subject to approval by the instructor. Classroom implementation and evaluation may be required. A final written report and a public presentation to peers at a meeting or by a published paper is normally required. May be repeated for credit. |
| PHS 594 Physical Science with Math Modeling Workshop II (PHS 594/MTE 598) (3 credits) | Motion and force; chemical properties of matter; reactions and energy transfer; periodic table from a model-based perspective. Prerequisite: PHS 534. |
| PHS 594 Electricity for Middle/Secondary Teachers (3 credits) | Modeling-adapted CASTLE electricity. Prerequisite: PHS 534 or PHS 530/PHY 480. |
| PHS 594 Advanced Modeling Workshop (3 credits) | Cognition, modeling discourse management, energy thread, assessment, other issues. Prerequisite: Two modeling workshops. |
| PHS 598 Leadership Workshop (1 credit) | Teams of teachers learn to engage in action research. Download action research policy document. |
Category II: Integrated Science
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| PHS 505 Energy and the Environment (3 credits cross-listed with CHM 594) | For high school teachers of all sciences and math. Current problems in energy resources, production, consumption and conservation. No physics or mathematics prerequisites; but math teachers need a strong science background. |
| PHS 540 Integrated Physics and Chemistry (3 credits) | Emphasis on coordinating concepts of physics and chemistry with a quantum mechanical description of atomic structure and bonding. Prerequisite: CHM 480 or PHY 480 (PHS 530) or instructor approval; in-service physics or chemistry teacher. |
| PHS 542 Integrated Mathematics and Physics (3 credits) | Mathematical models and modeling as an integrating theme for mathematics and physics. |
| PHS 550 Physics and Astronomy (3 credits) | Astronomy curricula and projects for secondary school, with emphasis on the role of physics in astronomy. Prerequisite: two semesters college physics, knowledge of college algebra. |
| PHS 556 Astrophysics (3 credits) | Structure and evolution of stars, galaxies and the universe. For secondary school teachers. Prerequisite: PHS 550 or equivalent, knowledge of introductory calculus. |
|
CHM 594 Modeling instruction in HS Chemistry I (3 credits) |
Key concepts in first semester high school chemistry from a model-centered perspective. Prerequisite: in-service chemistry or physics teacher or instructor approval. |
| CHM 594 Modeling instruction in HS Chemistry II (3 credits, cross-listed with PHS 505) | Key concepts in second semester high school chemistry from a model-centered perspective. Prerequisite: Modeling Instruction |
Four Project Pathways courses (http://modeling.asu.edu/mns/mns.html).
Category III: Contemporary Physics
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| PHS 560 Matter and Light (3 credits) | Interactions of light with matter. Lasers and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: two semesters college physics and one semester calculus. |
| PHS 564 Light and Electron Optics (3 credits) | Principles and practice of optical and electron-optical instruments. Reflection, refraction and diffraction. Microscopy, spectroscopy and holography. Instrument design, operation and applications. Prerequisite: one semester college physics. |
| PHS 581 Structure of Matter and its Properties (3 credits) | Models of matter and its properties: mechanical, thermal, optical, electrical, magnetic. Prerequisite: two semesters college physics. |
| PHS 570 Spacetime Physics (3 credits) | Special and General Theories of Relativity with implications for space and time travel. Prerequisite: two semesters college physics. |
| PHS 594 Physical Science with Math Modeling Workshop II (1-4 credits) | Collaborative workshops on various topics in physical science and its integration with technology for in-service teachers. Prerequisite: PHS 534 |
| PHS 594 Modeling Workshops in either Mechanical Waves or Light (2 or 3 credits) |
Key concepts in light or mechanical waves from a model-centered perspective. Prerequisite: PHS 530. |
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