BT STEM Coordinator Shares Innovative "Physics-First" Approach at National Conference

Brownell Talbot's STEM and Community Learning Coordinator Meg Harms recently presented at the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) conference, sharing the school's groundbreaking approach to high school science education, and teachers from across the country are taking notice.

Harms' presentation focused on BT's innovative Upper School science sequence, which begins with a mathematically focused physics course in 9th grade, followed by chemistry and then biology. This "physics-first" model essentially reverses the traditional order most adults experienced in high school, where biology typically comes first.

"This approach is strongly supported by research and has been shown to strengthen students' mathematical thinking," Harms explained. The shift, implemented in the years following COVID, represents a significant reimagining of how students engage with science and mathematics throughout their high school careers.

One of the most compelling aspects of Harms' presentation was her discussion of the practical challenges of implementation and the concrete strategies she's developed to teach mathematical physics to students working across as many as five different math levels in the same classroom. This differentiation ensures that all students can access rigorous physics content regardless of where they are in their mathematics coursework.

The results speak for themselves. Data from BT's program shows that the new sequence has leveled the playing field in students' ability to apply math as a problem-solving tool and has increased enrollment in advanced science courses, including both levels of AP Physics.

The presentation has generated significant interest beyond the conference itself. Since returning from NSTA, Harms has been contacted by multiple teachers from across the United States seeking more information about BT's approach and implementation strategies.

Harms will expand on this presentation at the annual Nebraska Physics & Astronomy Summit in March, continuing to share Brownell Talbot's innovative practices with educators throughout the region.