SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of this effort is to examine ways in which a high degree of excitement can be incorporated into physics teaching materials. The goal is to design an interactive multimedia, highly visual piece of courseware (module) to teach a single concept of physics. The module must be designed to make use of various current delivery technologies; it must be flexible with respect to teaching environments, delivery, dissemination and display systems. It will serve as the prototype for an entire physics course in English and Spanish . Focus group sessions with high school students and teachers will answer questions such as the appropriate level of mathematics and the preferred length of each lesson/module. They will also supply information on how to make the physics module most appealing to minority and female students. A script and storyboards annotated to show interactivity and learning paths will be the major anal work product envisioned under this proposal. Anticipated benefits/potential commercial applications A new approach to the teaching of physics which takes into account the many technologies now available for delivery. The market for the final product includes the us military and the us school system. Science museums and homes are also potential markets.

American high school science students do not meet the needs of employers, are no better informed than they were decades ago, and compare unfavorably with foreign students. In this Phase II effort, Optimal Analysis will introduce a new paradigm for increasing the science literacy of Americans leaving high school. We will design the architecture for what we call an "expanded media" physics course. By "expanded media" we mean a program that will be computer driven, with text sound, movies and gaffes. Our end product will demonstrate the feasibility of such a technique and will allow us and others to make similar courses. Sample interactive physics lessons on a computer diskette, with supporting materials, ready for use in actual educational situations will be provided. A detailed business plan for marketing and distributing the completed physics materials will be presented. Anticipated Benefits/Potential Applications - A new paradigm for the teaching of physics which takes into account the latest technology. The market for the final product includes the US military and the US school system. Science museums and homes are also potential markets.