Description
Poster session
In education, the effectiveness of teaching plays an important role as well as the assessment of the learning process. Teachers are often hopelessly unaware of their students' prior knowledge and skills, and thus of the ideal developmental tasks to solve individually in a given lesson. In this research topic, we aim to create a computer program that can learn which practice task a learner...
One of the main aims of Physics education research is to identify and address student difficulties in learning physics. This study investigates student understanding of classical relativity concepts, including the Frame of Reference (FoR), Principle of Relativity (PoR), and Principle of Equivalence (PoE). We designed and administered a 22-item multiple-choice test to 200 students in...
The paper presents the results of an analysis of the performance of pupils who attended international rounds of the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) in 2023 and 2024 (6 pupils each year). The goal of the analysis is to find out how a selected sample of Slovak pupils performs on standardized tests, to be more precise, to find out the extent to which pupils lack the ability to use...
Abstract. This article analyzes the key physics competencies and problem-solving approaches of students aged 14–15. The research compares two groups: one consisting of talented students participating in the zDolny Ślązak provincial physics competition, and another comprising typical public school students. The study uses two distinct tasks: one focused on classical computational...
Anthropogenic climate change is shaping the world we live in. Therefore, fostering climate agency is an important goal of science education. To develop climate agency, learners should acquire competences necessary to make informed and effective decisions about climate-related actions. Carbon competence plays a critical role in this process. The contribution presents the development of a test...
This study introduces CapacitorAR, a mobile augmented reality (AR) simulation designed to enhance students’ understanding of parallel plate capacitors. The application combine both marker-based and markerless AR technologies to offer flexible, intuitive interactions that enable users to explore how key physical parameters—such as plate distance, surface area, and dielectric properties—affect...
Kinematics is the first unit that students encounter in Croatian high schools, where experiments with ticker tape timer are one of the most common experiments. Analysis of the tape is very long and complex procedure for physics novices, even with great help and guidance from teachers. Our group managed to simplify the experiment, using only the cart, a ruler and two mobile phones. The easier...
Abstract. The purpose of this work is to present various types of energy production from the basic physics point of view. A thematic course was created at our university, aiming environmental sciences and engineering students to develop skills in important areas of physics that are related to energy production and consumption. Selected topics were pinched from different areas of physics and...
During Basic Education in Mexico, we seek to develop scientific thinking. Students are also expected to understand and explain physical phenomena through interaction with the environment. The objective of this article is to share the didactic experience implementing the use of a device, called Bounce Light System, designed to teach light reflection at school level and develop scientific...
This study explores an innovative approach to teaching the Nature of Science (NoS) and the Nature of Scientific Inquiry (NOSI), addressing both well-established and often-overlooked aspects in educational research. Through a lesson plan structured around experimental activities and historical reflections, following an explicit and reflective approach, the aim is to develop students' teachers'...
Learning physics is challenging, in part due to its deep connection to mathematics. What part does mathematics play in in-service teacher education? We have studied an MSc program for science teachers in Israel, where advanced physics courses are taught by physicists. One of the program’s design principles is that the graduate be in command of mathematics and understand its relevance for...
As part of a dissertation project on teaching mechanics at lower secondary level, teaching materials were (re-) developed in digital and analogue form. Additionally, a guideline was created, containing a detailed lesson plan. This should a) support teachers and b) allow for better comparison between them. The new materials/lesson plans where then applied and tested in school. The evaluation...
Science labs offer students unique opportunities to develop scientific agency through experiments that foster relevant skills and attitudes, such as making substantiated decisions. This study explores how science bachelor students develop scientific agency in laboratory settings through decision making. We will focus on the interplay between decision making, higher-order thinking skills and...
Understanding weather phenomena, such as wind, is essential for fostering scientific literacy from an early age. As part of the binational project “Understanding Weather”, this study focused on designing and evaluating a learning arrangement on wind for primary education (3rd grade) using a design-based research approach. The intervention, implemented in four classes (N=89), led to 50% of...
Modern quantum physics is finding its way into education and schools to train specialists for future technologies. Teachers must, therefore, be familiar with modern quantum physics. However, this content was often not a focus of the university training of prospective teachers. Consequently, there is a great need for further and advanced training courses for teachers. In this contribution, we...
Students’ conceptions of scientists influence their attitudes towards science and job aspirations. Within a four-year project of the Kaiserschild-Foundation for STEM engagement in Austrian rural middle schools, we collected drawings of 240 students. To find out how these drawings developed over time, we analysed these drawings and complemented this analysis with twelve semi-structured...
This qualitative research aimed to identify one hundred and twenty (N = 120) elementary pre-service teachers' conceptual representations of electrical circuits. We conducted qualitative data analysis, constructing a two-choice questionnaire (True/False) with explanations. The result demonstrated that most pre-service teachers advanced erroneous conceptual representations as 1. Current can flow...
Physics is often taught as a purely intellectual subject, disconnected from the body and emotional engagement, particularly in undergraduate STEM courses. In Milan, in the “Preparation of Didactical Experiences 1” course for master’s students in Mathematics or Physics, we integrate 20 hours of embodied activities within an inquiry-based learning process. These activities, including scientific...
A profound understanding of mathematical equations and their application is a central objective of the physics degree programme, alongside developing experimental skills and conceptual knowledge. Appropriate handling of equations involves their analysis, critical evaluation and verification of plausibility within the physical context. Commonly used methods and approaches in physics include the...
This study analyses 26 middle and high school italian textbooks on physics, science, geography, and technology to investigate how the greenhouse effect is presented and identify potential misconceptions. Through a content analysis approach, we aim to evaluate the accuracy and clarity of the information provided to students. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts in the field of...
This study investigates the development and educational reconstruction of materials science concepts for informal learning environments. Conducted as part of the MaSCot project, the research focuses on creating engaging STEM activities that address socio-scientific issues, such as medical applications of materials science, while fostering collaboration between teachers and scientists. The...
The present study outlines the rational, objectives and methodology of the European research project “FEDORAS’ Academy” which aims at fostering future-oriented STEAM education for sustainability through the establishment of local and European networks among STEM scientists, teacher educators and teachers to promote interdisciplinarity and open schooling. The goal of the networks is to develop...
The Learning Using Mentors (LUM) method delegates part of a teacher's authority to gifted students who act as mentors. Mentors lead group work, offer tutoring, and play crucial role in creating and grading tests. This contribution summarizes the results of four years of experimental use of this method in upper-secondary physics classes. Semi-structured interviews with both mentors and their...
Traditional lecture-based teaching methods are becoming less effective in engaging students. This research explores the impact of innovative teaching approaches, incorporating game-like elements, online tools, and research-based learning activities. Conducted among university physics students and teacher trainees, the study used continuous testing with control and experimental groups. Key...
Abstract. Digital electronics has become an important topic in modern science education. While simulation tools are valuable, hands-on devices play important role in understanding digital principles. Our kit provides a practical way to explore the functionality of physical logic gates, flip-flops, and simple binary decoders. Additionally, it allows students to design and build their own...
Embodied learning encourages physics teachers to take into account diverse learning needs, social differences and cultural backgrounds of students in order to successfully implement these activities in the classroom. Embodied leaning emphasizes the importance of physical experiences in the learning process, where the body and the learning environment are essential components of the learning...
Engaging with scientists can challenge stereotypes and foster a more inclusive perception of STEM. The CERN-Solvay programme provides a unique opportunity to examine how contact with physicists influences students' perceptions.
This study explores how participation in its one-week summer camps shaped students’ preconceived notions of physicists. Pre- and post-camp data were collected using...
Artificial intelligence, including large language models (LLMs), is transforming education and daily life. Many online texts are AI-generated without public awareness, and students increasingly use tools like ChatGPT. Our study explored whether 372 high school students could identify if a scientific text was AI- or human-written and examined traits aiding recognition. Results showed students...
Social belonging plays a crucial role in shaping the academic experiences and outcomes of first-year science students. This study investigates how social belonging correlates with demographic factors such as gender identity, racialization, and international/domestic status. It combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to uncover the key factors influencing engagement and retention.
The research approach aims to increase acceptance of smartphone experiments in physics lessons by distributing materials and offering teacher support for these experiments using the free phyphox app, which turns smartphones into mobile measuring instruments. The phyphox kit includes worksheets, accompanying materials and accessories for experiments across the core physics curriculum as well as...
This paper proposes the use of network theory tools, such as the adjacency matrix and the Louvain algorithm, to prioritize content and competencies in Physics programs. This process was automated using Python code based on the NetworkX library, which significantly reduced analysis time. The proposal solves historical computational limitations and optimizes the logical construction of...
Inquiry-based learning in physics education is an excellent method to reinforce what pupils learn at high school. Virtual reality learning modules help in cases where equipment for real-life demonstration experiments is unavailable to a teacher. One such topic is nuclear physics. We designed our VR learning module with inquiry-based learning in mind. Using this VR learning module pupils are...
There is a lack of talents in the industry of quantum technologies, which can be counteracted by training of existing workforce. We want to design this training within an interest-oriented approach due to the positive effects of interest on the process and quality of learning. A first step contains the measurement of interest for these topics. The present study aims to assess the interest of N...
Interdisciplinary education is one of the many modern didactic methods used in recent years. It is also a very important part of teaching science subjects where it is crucial to understand the connections between topics. This contribution is about creating and using interdisciplinary school worksheets in physics and biology in elementary and secondary education. We describe the theoretical...
The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) aims to assist worldwide strengthening and promotion of physics across all disciplines, particularly in developing countries. It does this through Commissions and Working Groups, each comprising of country representatives on a rotational basis. Commission C14 on Physics Education, also called the International Commission of Physics...
We present the design of a six-hour module, “Physics Education Meets AI,” that we taught as part of a master-level course on “Teaching and Learning Physics” at the University of Padua. Twenty students engaged in hands-on activities with Word2Vec, GPT-2, and GPT-4 using Jupyter Notebooks and the LEAP platform, exploring semantic representation and inquiry-based learning with AI as a tutor....
Advancements in quantum sensing and quantum computing are expected to impact many levels of society. This raises the need for a quantum ready workforce. In response, we have written three lesson modules on quantum technology to foster interest and increase awareness among upper secondary school students. This poster presentation explains the procedure followed in writing these materials and...
In our previous work, we modelled quantum curriculum transformation in five dimensions: 1) content conveyed, 2) skills evoked, 3) level of cognitive ability targeted, 4) representations used and 5) teaching approach employed. We extend this work to practical considerations to model quantum curriculum innovation in contemporary courses and the use and development of digital learning modules. We...
This contribution presents an analysis of historical stellar spectrum photographs using digital methods, highlighting their added value for astronomy and science education. Concrete examples of learning activities are provided, and an educational analysis within a multidimensional framework of authenticity is carried out.
Physics competitions are an interesting tool for attracting students to science. Students deepen their understanding of physics and meet other students with similar interests. There are numerous different physics competitions. Many of them aim at the most talented students, who can compete against each other, but only a few are accessible to the majority of students interested in STEM...
Out-of-field teaching, where educators teach subjects outside their expertise, is a globally discussed topic in literature. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how research is represented in detail. This contribution describes a systematic review addressing this issue for out-of-field teaching in secondary education in general and particularly in physics and science. Starting with 1058 research...
Airports are dynamic environments where the laws of physics play a key role in ensuring safety and operational efficiency. It comes into contact with every passenger during their journey, to a greater or lesser extent. Utilizing the infrastructure present at the Aviation Education Centre makes it possible to introduce physics to children, youth and adults. Focusing on infrastructure elements...
This contribution is focused on the physics curriculum for upper secondary schools. We present the results of longitudinal research whose methodology is inspired by an objectivist grounded theory approach. Our research is based especially on the ideas of the leading Czech physicists obtained from in-depth interviews. The original group of physicists and other stakeholders (other natural...
The Raspberry Shake 1D is a low-cost, computerized seismograph that can be used very well to detect ground motions from earthquakes and everyday life. For physics teachers, the system is an excellent tool for teaching physics concepts and scientific methods in a highly motivating way. We will present some ideas for experiments and activities with the Raspberry Shake for students in schools as...
In high school physics education, maintaining students' attention, motivation, and active participation is challenging. Gamification has a motivating effect and enhances student engagement, but it is crucial to align game elements with the groups’ player type composition. This research focuses on gamification and the assessment of player types, using a 10th-grade advanced physics class as an...
In the past two years, a questionnaire survey has been conducted in primary schools in the Olomouc Region (Czech Republic). The aim is to find out the position and popularity of the subject Physics in comparison with other subjects in the first year of teaching Physics as a separate subject. The questionnaire was completed by approximately 500 pupils, where they evaluated the popularity and...
The aim of this contribution is to showcase the results of a nation-wide survey conducted in the Czech Republic on general public regarding the long-lasting opinions on physics and physics education originating mainly in lower secondary school and high school physics classrooms and their comparison with the TIMSS and PISA multinational evaluations. The results of this survey aim to support the...
Fostering productive dispositions - positive beliefs, perseverance, and emotional engagement - is vital for student achievement in mathematics, physics, and STEM learning. This study explores how rich tasks, grounded in solving real-world problems, nurture student dispositions. A series of rich tasks were designed and implemented with Irish primary students. One of these rich tasks, is...
The SABIR project is a co-design initiative fostering the network of the International Astronomical Union’s astronomy educators in the Mediterranean. It was held both online (February-July 2024) and in person during a one-week residency in Milano, Italy. We discussed together and shared the Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) approach, then each of the participating educators selected a laboratory...
Based on a master thesis, we present a series of six educational lessons designed for basic school students (grades 6–9) that integrate the Arduino microcontroller into physics experiments. The lessons focus on topics such as electricity, magnetism, and semiconductors incorporating elements of computer science and mathematics. The experiments are designed as hands-on, engaging pupils in...
Students perform a gyroscope practical to study precession, which is measured with a wireless sensor. Precession is also discussed in the accompanying mechanics lectures, but nutation is not. In the practical, however, nutation is often observed in addition to precession and the nutation period is easily derived from the precession measurement. Analysis of the nutation signal is optional for...
This study investigates the suitability of smartphone sensors for physics experiments by comparing their performance with laboratory-grade instruments. Measurements from various smartphone models were analysed across experiments involving sensors like accelerometers, magnetometers, and light sensors. Results of light sensor measurements reveal significant variability, particularly at high...
STEM Investigations is a new subject designed for upper secondary school students (aged 17–18) to address real-world problems through interdisciplinary inquiry. Building on knowledge from mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, and computer science, students engage in activities that integrate scientific methods with digital tools. Example topics include diving safety, UV...
This contribution emphasizes encouraging pupils to engage in experimental activities, essential for developing scientific inquiry. The studied stimuli include concept cartoons, role-playing, physics game, an online escape room, and an activity with story. Research involved 341 secondary school pupils (ages 11–15) and their physics teachers. Preliminary findings indicate that pupils felt...
Abstract. This is the culmination of a long and systematics study on contextual variation of student responses in the context of dc circuit. We published the contextual variation from their Forced Choice Responses of eight electrically identical questions with fine grained variations that are trivial to a physicist, the productive and unproductive foothold ideas, then narrated the six...
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Rotational motion is experimentally investigated using a modified fidget spinner and smartphone. The experimental results are described by a didactic model based on the Newton’s second law for the rotational motion, considering the resulting resistive torque acting on the system. We analyse the physics concepts that are involved in the experimental activity, such as angular velocity and moment...
It is hard to imagine the popularization of physics today without the increasingly frequent theme days. They have become permanent important events that gather large crowds of participants. Their function of promoting knowledge and science cannot be overestimated. An example of this is the theme days at the Kraków Airport Aviation Education Centre. These include the Małopolska Night of...
Astronomy holds a unique position among the sciences for its capacity to inspire curiosity and interdisciplinary learning. Despite its potential, its presence in curricula remains limited, overshadowed by traditional physics topics. In Slovakia, astronomy is only an optional subject in primary schools, with inconsistent implementation across educational institutions. Our study [1] examines...
Teaching materials for middle school based on the ISLE approach were developed following the design based research circle. All together there are 7 teaching units of 100 minutes each for 7th grade (13 -14 year-olds) covering topics that can be explained within the particle model of matter. The materials were tested with 46 students in a rural Austrian middle school. The material development...
