College physics conference

The development of physics teaching in the United States, both as to content and improved methods of teaching, has largely been the result of individual efforts at colleges and universities. Only in the past twenty‐five years, and particularly in the past decade, has a degree of coordination between individuals and groups been established. The increasing role of physics in our scientific advances, in our technology, and in our society and culture, together with the rapid advances taking place within physics itself, demand consideration of new approaches, broadly coordinated and national in scope. Accordingly, a series of discussions between interested individuals and representatives of the National Science Foundation last summer resulted in a proposal for a series of three conferences, sponsored by the American Association of Physics Teachers and supported by the National Science Foundation.