Teachers hit assembly line to develop physics lessons

To develop lessons about sound, motion, electricity, and other physics principles, 11 Mississippi high school teachers are turning to an unusual classroom: the facilities of a major electronics manufacturer.

Meridian-based Peavey Electronics is participating with Mississippi State in a partnership to improve physics education. Called "Learn to Work," the $1.27 million project is funded by the National Science Foundation.

"We're taking teachers into the workplace to help answer an age-old student question of 'How will I use this?'" said Sandra Harpole, the MSU physics professor who directs the project.

The teachers spent three weeks at the Meridian production facility this summer, immersed in all aspects of a highly diversified manufacturing process. A two week follow-up took place on the Starkville campus.

From their experiences, the teachers began to develop projects for fall classes.

Outside the classroom, the teachers will undertake another major assignment: Develop partnerships in their own communities that expand the interaction between industry and education.