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Welcome to PER-Central, a resource collection for physics education researchers. Here you may find articles, theses and dissertations, research groups, curricular material, and news and events of interest to the PER Community. Learn more about PER-Central.

PER Programs

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Browse the different PER groups and their descriptions on the PER Program Map.

For the Classroom

SEI Upper-Division Quantum Mechanics I Transformed Course Materials

SEI Upper-Division Quantum Mechanics I Transformed Course Materials
This web site provides research-based materials for junior-level quantum mechanics 1 courses. Topics covered include the Schrödinger equation, bound state problems, Hilbert space and operators, the hydrogen atom, and spin. The course archives include documented student difficulties, learning goals, ConcepTests (clicker questions), class activities, homework, tutorials, and a conceptual assessment tool.

Find more PER-based Curricular Materials: Course Packages | Student Activities | Pedagogy Guides

Research Instruments

Magnetism Conceptual Survey

Magnetism Conceptual Survey
The Magnetism Conceptual Survey (MCS), developed by Singh and Li, is designed to evaluate students' conceptual understanding of magnetism up to Faraday's law. It is written for algebra- and calculus-based introductory courses.

Find more assessment instruments

PER Events PER-Central Announcements RSS

Physics Education Research Conference 2025
PERC 2025 will be held August 6-7, 2025 in Washington, DC.  The theme will be "A PER lens on the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology."

More events

Latest Additions Latest Additions to PER-Central RSS

Dec 18 Using Math in Physics: 6. Reading the physics in a graph
Dec 9 Investigative Science Learning Environment: A guide for teacher preparation and professional development
Dec 2 Upper-Division Thermal Physics Assessment Development and the Impacts of Race & Gender on STEM Participation
Nov 28 A Thoughtful Approach to Instruction: Course transformation for the rest of us

Latest Discussion Posts

January 8 at 7:58 PM EST
Paul DeStefano posted AAPT COMMUNITIES and Discord for Solo PER to the US - Solo Physics Education Researc... thread.

May 6 at 2:00 PM EST
Tom Foster posted Think Aloud Protocol to the US - Solo Physics Education Researc... thread.

November 7 at 1:14 PM EST
Steve Maier posted PERLOC Councilor Elections! to the US - Solo Physics Education Researc... thread.

February 22 at 1:23 PM EST
Steve Maier posted Call for PERC Proceedings Editor to the US - Solo Physics Education Researc... thread.