Can atomic physicists help reinvent Introductory Physics?

Much effort has been and is being devoted to the reform of the teaching of physics. This has led to many new and imaginative approaches to the delivery of the course material, but a perusal of today’s Introductory Physics textbooks indicates that their basic structure has changed little in over fifty years. A radical restructuring is proposed that begins with a modern atomic picture rather than a Newtonian world view. The task is discussed in the context of existing practices, factors inhibiting reform, and strategies that could have a significant impact. If the pedagogic advantages of the atomic world view are to be realized, it seems clear that the research-active AMO physics community, and not just pedagogic researchers, must be involved in the development of this new