Physics Education Tracks at Vassar College

At Vassar, we have a unique program for physics majors planning to get Physics Teaching Certification. Physics majors who wish to obtain Secondary Certification in physics must complete three additional courses beyond the 6 core courses. An independent project focused on physics education, independent work of Lab Development (developing and building three labs for HS physics) and Lab Apprenticeship (where they help the lab tech set up all the intro physics labs for the full year introductory physics course). Physics Minor with Teaching Emphasis is intended for those with other majors: students complete the following coursework above the introductory level, modern physics, classical mechanics, Lab Apprenticeship and, Lab Development and Senior Independent Work on physics education. Both programs also have recommended and required education courses. This poster will be presented by Professor Schwarz, the advisor for the program and two seniors who are currently enrolled in the program. We will discuss the pros and cons and our planned modifications as this plan was developed over 15 years ago and requirements for teaching high school physics have changed.