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  Session: LHC in the Classroom
  Paper Type: Contributed
  Title: Particle Physics: An Engaging Part of the High School Program
  Meeting: 2015 Summer Meeting: College Park, Maryland
  Location: N/A
  Date:
  Time: 3:20PM
  Author: Carol L. Polen,
804-741-8132, clpolen@gmail.com
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: Particle physicists are literally rewriting what we know about the physical world; yet, the typical high school physics curriculum spends little to no time on particle physics. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the inclusion of the particle physics topic in the curriculum increased the engagement and knowledge of high school physics students. A three block unit of instruction was delivered to 122 students in general and Advanced Physics classes. A mixed methods data collection plan was used to gather interest and achievement data with a specific focus on student perspectives and impacts. The particle physics unit increased the enjoyment of physics for 26% of the students, and 73% of the students believed that the unit was a valuable addition to the curriculum. The particle physics unit revealed several important impact points that can be leveraged to increase engagement and achievement in the physics classroom.
  Footnotes: None
  Presentation: Polen_AAPT_PowerPoint.pptx

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