The most unique feature of this reform is its grounding in a Modeling Theory of Physics Instruction developed at ASU over the last two decades. Course content organized around models rather than topics. Systematic use of modeling tools to elucidate the models. Student activities and discourse structured around models and modeling. These points are elaborated below with references following.
Local structure is determined by delineating models.
Models are primary units of coherently structured knowledge. Coherence derives primarily from the coordinated application of physical laws to the construction and analysis of models . Conventional instruction induces students to organize their learning around problems and their solutions as units of knowledge. Modeling instruction is organized around a small number of basic models. Problem solving is subsidiary to modeling.