HMS 1st in NJ to implement Physics program

Hoboken Middle School becomes first in New Jersey to implement this pioneering initiative Physics program






Hoboken Public School District
Christopher Munoz 201-356-3738/201-978-2164 [email protected]
RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2021
Hoboken Middle School becomes first in New Jersey to implement this pioneering initiative Physics program
The Physics in a BoxTM program places learning of science in the hands of students.
It is no secret that STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) professionals are essential to success in the 21st century – the success of individuals. communities and nations. Hoboken Middle School is investing in a ground-breaking, physics-education program that will produce a pipeline of science-savvy students, teachers and future professionals. And, in a bold move to give their students the ability to compete successfully in the 21st century, they are the first school district in New Jersey to start physics education in middle school.
This fall, the Hoboken Public School District will begin using a pioneering program called Physics in a Box TM to bring 6th, 7th and 8th graders the kind of physics education that is commonplace in Europe and Asia. The program, which was developed by international experts in physics and education through a company called Physcira (Physical Science Research Associates), is used in more than 100 schools and districts nationwide. It provides everything needed to give students hands-on experience with physics concepts and provides year-round, weekly training for teachers. In the process, it injects fun into a subject that is often considered scary.
“Our goal is to place applied mathematics in the hands of students, as we know that students learn best by doing,” said Dr. Christine Johnson, superintendent of the Hoboken Public School District. With leadership from Middle School Principal Anna Marra; Dr. Robin Baskinger, supervisor of Programs and Instruction; and participating science and math teachers, we are proud to take our science-education efforts to the highest international level.”
That means that Hoboken Middle School students will be taught physics as a separate discipline, which is rare in the United States. Three times per week, they will conduct experiments in fields such as mechanics, optics, and electricity and magnetism; see physics concepts come to life as they work on projects such as designing and building functioning microscopes, cameras, telescopes and radios; and they will see the connection between science, math and nature.
All this goes above and beyond current academic practice in the state and nation, but is mandatory in most European and Asian middle and high schools. “Hoboken Schools have made a courageous and far-reaching decision in adopting the highest standards in physics education,” said Dr. Anatoliy Glushchenko, professor of physics at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs and Physcira founder.


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