Speaker
Description
Integrating secondary physics coursework with higher education expectations through Dual Enrollment (DE) models introduces distinct pedagogical and operational challenges. This presentation examines the alignment of a high school Honors Physics curriculum with Hagerstown Community College’s (HCC) PHS 103 course, emphasizing the significant transition required when moving from a traditional reading- and equation-focused course to an inquiry-driven instructional model. Central to this implementation is the Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE) approach, which restructures the learning environment around observational, testing, and application experiments—deliberately avoiding premature mathematical derivations while building rigorous conceptual understanding. We detail specific scaffolding tools, such as Ranking Tasks and Equation Jeopardy, designed to reinforce unit analysis, problem categorization, and physical reasoning. Additionally, we address the practicalities of maintaining course integrity for future educators and health practitioners, managing the extensive teacher time required to build coherent, inquiry-based resources, and coordinating common assessment standards and laboratory equipment across district high schools.
