This paper describes the development of a new university physics course which integrates physics education, research, and community outreach. The coordinated system of activities links the new course to local community efforts in pre-college education, university education, university outreach, and research on teaching and learning. The course was found to improve student understanding of physi...

Learning progressions offer a model for educators of the paths by which learning might proceed within a domain. A particular emphasis of much research – both within science education and other domains – has been on teaching higher order thinking skills and engaging students in evidence-based argumentation. However, no tested and validated model exists of students’ progression with argumentation...