Education research is our focus
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 Literature
Search the literature by:
Or find an article by topic:
- Basic Research
- Achievement
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By Topic:
Astronomy, Classical Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Fluid Mechanics, General Physics, Mathematical Tools, Modern Physics, Optics, Oscillations & Waves, Other Sciences, Quantum Physics, Relativity, Thermo & Stat Mech
Reviews in PER
Volume 2 of Reviews in PER is dedicated to helping researchers get started in Physics Education Research.
In this review article, a member of the PER community presents an overview of an area of PER:
Research in the Resources Framework: Changing environments, consistent exploration
by M. C. Wittmann.
Find more articles introducing PER research methods in Volume 2 of Reviews in PER.
Community Resources
PER Programs
Browse the different PER groups and their descriptions on the PER Program Map.
For the Classroom
Intermediate Mechanics Tutorials
This web site provides small-group learning materials for teaching intermediate mechanics. The physics is Newtonian with very little Lagrangian formalism. Materials are a mix of conceptual, mathematical, and problem solving University of Washington-style tutorials, as well as related research results, examination questions, and suggested course outlines.
Find more PER-based Curricular Materials: Course Packages | Student Activities | Pedagogy Guides
Research Instruments
Energy Concept Assessment
The Energy Concept Assessment, developed by Lin Ding, is designed to evaluate students' conceptual understanding of energy in algebra- or calculus-based introductory physics courses.
PER Events
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."
Latest Additions
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.