Finkelstein's theoretical and experimental research focuses on understanding the role of context in student learning of physics. These research projects range from the specifics of learning (how do students use representations, simulations, or analogies to learn physics?) to the course (how do we effectively modify our courses?) and institutional scales (what models exist for sustainable transformation?). He currently is a director of the Physics Education Research group and PI of many grants to create and study conditions that support students’ interest and ability in physics. He led CU-Boulder's AAU STEM Education Initiative; one of 8 sites nationally. Finkelstein launched and co-directed of the Center for STEM Learning, a campus wide initiative at CU He launched, co-directs and studies the national Network of STEM Education Centers and sits on the National Academies' Roundtable on STEM education.
keywords
physics education research, contextual foundations of learning, systemic and structural components of education and educational transformation, use of material (simulation) and intellectual (representation) tools in learning physics, teacher preparation, practices, and perspectives in physics, student perspectives in learning quantum mechanics, gender gaps in physics, sustaining and scaling physics education reforms
EDUC 4460 - Teaching and Learning Physics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2023
Learn how people understand key concepts in physics. Through examination of physics content, pedagogy and problems, through teaching, and through research in physics education, students will explore the meaning and means of teaching physics. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how education research is done and how people learn. Useful for all students, especially for those interested in physics, teaching, and education research. Same as EDUC 5460 and PHYS 4460 and PHYS 5460.
PHYS 1010 - Physics of Everyday Life 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
Intended primarily for nonscientists, this course covers physics encountered in everyday life. Topics include balls, scales, balloons, stoves, insulation, light bulbs, clocks, nuclear weapons, basics of flashlights, and microwave ovens. Department enforced prereq., high school algebra or equivalent. This course should not be taken if the student has a MAPS deficiency in math.
PHYS 1230 - Light and Color for Nonscientists
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Discusses light, color, vision, and perception. Covers reflection, refraction, lenses, and applications to photography and other methods of light sensing. Other topics include lasers and holography. Course is geared toward nonscience majors. Department enforced prereq., high school algebra or equivalent. Should not be taken by students with a math MAPS deficiency.
PHYS 2130 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Its Applications
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021
Learn about a leading edge of physics and engineering along with its applications to much of modern technology. Topics include quantum theory, atomic physics, solid state and nuclear physics. Applications discussed may include special relatively, lasers, diodes/transistors, nuclear energy, quantum computing and encryption. Third semester of introductory sequence for science and engineering students. Physics majors should take PHYS 2170 instead of this course. May be taken concurrently with PHYS 2150.
PHYS 2170 - Foundations of Modern Physics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2024
Covers special relativity, quantum mechanics and atomic structure. Completes the three-semester sequence of general physics for physics and engineering physics majors. Normally taken with the laboratory PHYS 2150. Degree credit not granted for this course and PHYS 2130.
PHYS 4460 - Teaching and Learning Physics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2023
Learn how people understand key concepts in physics. Through examination of physics content, pedagogy and problems, through teaching, and through research in physics education, students will explore the meaning and means of teaching physics. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how education research is done and how people learn. Useful for all students, especially for those in interested in physics, teaching and education research. Same as PHYS 5460 and EDUC 4460 and EDUC 5460.
PHYS 5460 - Teaching and Learning Physics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2019 / Spring 2023
Learn how people understand key concepts in physics. Through examination of physics content, pedagogy and problems, through teaching, and through research in physics education, students will explore the meaning and means of teaching physics. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how education research is done and how people learn. Useful for all students, especially for those interested in physics, teaching, and education research. Same as PHYS 4460 and EDUC 4460 and EDUC 5460.
