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Abstract Title: The role of interest in the effect of including life science contexts in introductory physics
Abstract: We examined the impact of preexisting interest in physics on undergraduate student responses to the insertion of life science contexts into an introductory-level physics course for nonmajors, using an end-of-semester survey. Our findings suggest that inserting life science context into the content of the courses influenced students differentially based on their level of preexisting interest in physics.Taken together with results from the CLASS survey, these findings suggest that certain types of life science contexts in introductory physics can support students whose initial interest in physics is less developed  to deepen their interest; however, not all contexts are equally effective.
Abstract Type: Contributed Poster Presentation

Author/Organizer Information

Primary Contact: Catherine H. Crouch
Swarthmore College
Department of Physics
500 College Ave
Swarthmore, PA 19081
Phone: 610-328-8386
Fax: 610-328-7895
Co-Author(s)
and Co-Presenter(s)
Panchompoo Wisittanawat, Swarthmore College Departments of Physics and Educational Studies
K. Ann Renninger, Swarthmore College Department of Educational Studies