At the 2003 summer AAPT meeting I offered a half-day workshop on
a model based approach to energy instruction. Here are the
materials I distributed or referred to as part of that workshop:
My presentation slides. They begin with an introduction by what
is meant by "models" and "modeling" and then outline a model-
based approach to energy instruction. A handout to accompany my
presentation. Some of the background is given for the shifts of
language advocated in the model-based approach. "Energy storage
mechanisms" are preferred to using the locution of "kinds of
energy" and the role of work is greatly de-emphasized while the
more universal role of the first law of thermodynamics is
emphasized. Energy labs. The mathematical expressions we use for
calculating the energy stored within a system can all be
developed from experiment. This sequence of labs uses a loop of
spring spring steel and a series of activities originally shared
with me by Rex and Debbie Rice. Energy curriculum materials in
Adobe pdf format and