Learning from each other, ReleQuant and Einstein-First: Workshop on developing learning resources in modern physics in Norway and Australia

ReleQuant Competence is a research and development project where physics teachers and teacher students collaborate with researchers and teacher educators. We develop web-based teaching modules for upper secondary school in the topics general relativity theory and quantum physics. The project combines research on pupils' learning processes in physics with research on how the collaboration develops competence in the involved practitioner groups: teacher students, teachers and researchers. The background for ReleQuant Competence is the need for developing physics in upper secondary school into a subject that more students (girls in particular) choose to study; that students experience as relevant for their life and future education and career; that uses a variety of teaching and learning approaches; and that supports learning of central concepts and theories and insights into the nature of physics as a natural science. The teaching modules we develop emphasise pupils' use of oral and written language to express and develop their understanding of physics. The modules visualize abstract concepts and principles by means of animations and simulations, short videos of physicists describing their research, and examples of how modern physics is applied in technological development. The teaching material also invites pupils to reflect on the philosophical implications of modern physics. Modules are developed and revised through multiple cycles of classroom testing combined with research on pupils' learning and professional development for practicing physics teachers. Physics teacher students are also involved in the research as part of their training, fostering their innovation and research skills. ReleQuant Competence thus contributes to building a professional community of practice and a culture for collaborative, research-based innovation and development among teachers, teacher educators, researchers and students in physics education.

In the last years Norway has had a leading role in introducing modern physics into high school curricula. Accordingly, ReleQuant and ReleQuant Competence (funded by FINNUT) were launched as research projects to develop online learning resources and teacher guides in general relativity and quantum physics and to study pupils' learning processes as well as teachers' and teacher students' competence development. Given that experience with learning and teaching modern physics on high school level is scarce both in Norway and internationally, ReleQuant is constantly seeking new opportunities to deepen understanding and to pool knowledge. Having had an active exchange of ideas with participants in Einstein-First, we have now identified a promising strategic partner for doing so. Einstein-First is an educational project based at the University of Western Australia that aims for the introduction of 'Einsteinian' physics into school curricula within Australia. We wish to combine our efforts, share knowledge and resources and develop a joint research agenda. This collaboration will be initiated by a one-week intensive workshop hosted at the Gravity Discovery Center in Perth, Australia. We apply for funding for this workshop through FINNUT. Ultimately, we strive for the establishment of long-lasting synergies between ReleQuant and Einstein-First. We want to combine the best of our work, resulting in new and improved learning resources and teacher guides, improved models for collaboration between researchers, teachers and teacher students, and improved understanding of pupils' conceptual development within modern physics.