The Evolution of Atomic Theory: Using Archival Materials in Physics Education

Using the framework of the historical evolution of atomic theory, this presentation gives an overview of the usage of archival materials, especially from the Emilio Segré Visual Archives, to enrich the education of students in the classroom. Facets cover interactive learning through research and Wikipedia editing, the use of American Institute of Physics (AIP) Center for the History of Physics (CHP) Teaching Guides that offer vessels for studying specific underrepresented individuals and topics, and the importance of considering history when studying physics in the modern day. Through a discussion of different ways libraries, archives, and historical records can be used to deepen physics studies, this talk seeks to emphasize the importance of preserving the history of physics and the stories of the individuals who played a part in it.