Empowering Physics Education: Donor Support Fuels UA Physics Studio Classroom Initiative

The Department of Physics is excited to announce the construction of a second studio-style physics classroom, following the success of the 2024 pilot program and the full implementation of a studio-format PHYS 110 course in the Spring 2025 semester. This new space will support the department’s ongoing transition toward an integrated discussion, lecture, and laboratory model for algebra-based physics courses.

Early results from the studio-style PHYS 110 course are promising. In the Spring, the percentage of students earning an A or B was 6% higher compared to the average from the past four years of traditionally structured PHYS 110 classes. Additionally, the rate of drops, withdrawals, and failures decreased by 11%. Results for the pilot program were even more impressive, with a 13% increase in A's or B's and a 17% decrease in drops, withdrawals, and failures. The overall feedback from students was very positive.

The new studio classroom will be created by combining PAS rooms 218 and 212. The wall between them will be removed to form a 1,340 square foot space, which will undergo a full floor-to-ceiling renovation and will be outfitted with state of the art equipment, furniture, and instructional technology.
     
This has all been made possible through the generous support of donors John Engel, who contributed $100,000, and Kenneth and Paula Krane, who donated $50,000. The department extends its deepest gratitude for their commitment to advancing physics education. Their contributions will have a lasting impact on generations of scientists and scholars.

When asked about his donation, John Engel shared:

"I am honored and grateful to be able to support the development of studio-based physics teaching at the university. I recently witnessed first-hand the engaging and fun atmosphere at a studio lab class, and I believe it will promote some of my beliefs about the importance of physics education for non-majors and majors alike. I believe the study of physics is important because it provides a fundamental understanding of how the natural world works. Further, physics education promotes an empirical and evidence-based worldview, which unfortunately I feel is diminishing in modern times. Philosophical arguments aside, I think the studio physics courses will be good for the Physics Department, and I am good with that!"