Challenge Grant to Fund Physics Workshop Classrooms at University of Richmond

January 24, 2002

More non-science majors at the University of Richmond will take "discovery-based learning" courses thanks to a $210,000 challenge grant to the physics department.

The grant, which will be matched in part by the university, will fund remodeling of physics classrooms to hold additional workshop courses, which are currently limited to science majors. In workshop courses, students collaborate on projects using a full array of scientific apparatus and computer workstations. They collect and analyze data, model physical processes and complete written and oral presentations of their findings. Formal lectures are kept to a minimum.

The enhanced physics facilities are part of a major effort to improve the teaching of sciences to undergraduate students. The university plans to add faculty and expand and remodel the Gottwald Science Center, its primary building for biology, chemistry and physics classes and labs.

The foundation making the grant requested no publicity for itself in connection with the funding.