Public and Teacher Response to Einsteinian Physics in Schools

TL;DR

This study investigates public and teacher support for introducing Einsteinian physics in schools, finding strong backing from both groups after targeted outreach and professional development efforts.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence of widespread support for early Einsteinian physics education following a pilot outreach and training program.

Findings

Overwhelming support from teachers and the public.

Positive attitudes towards early introduction of Einsteinian physics.

Opinions on suitable starting age for concepts.

Abstract

Einsteinian physics represents a distinct paradigm shift compared to Newtonian physics. There is worldwide interest in introducing Einsteinian physics concepts early in school curriculum and trials have demonstrated that this is feasible. However introducing Einsteinian concepts from an early age requires more than suitable curriculum and teaching resources - it also requires teacher training and public support. This paper describes a pilot study used in an attempt to gauge public and teacher support. This entailed giving teachers, who included the entire staff of a primary school, and self-selected family groups an in-depth understanding of proposed curriculum content through public outreach and professional development workshops. We assessed their attitudes through questionnaires. Comments and opinions from the public were also collected from online resources. Results show overwhelming support from both teachers and the public. We assessed attitudes of children as well as adults and obtained opinions regarding the appropriate age at which to begin to introduce Einsteinian concepts.