Physics I
Designed for middle school physical science, high school physical science, conceptual physics, and Physics First courses.
- Motion
- Forces
- Energy
- Matter
Curriculum
Modular, flexible, and designed for real classrooms.
PUM includes a set of physics and physical science modules that can be used as a complete instructional sequence or integrated into existing courses. The modules are designed to support conceptual understanding, scientific reasoning, and mathematical thinking through coherent and connected experiences.
How the curriculum is organized
The PUM curriculum is organized into two groups of modules that together support a coherent progression of ideas and practices. Each module builds on common approaches to reasoning, representation, and model building.
Physics II
Designed for high school physics courses, including algebra-based and advanced settings.
- Kinematics
- Dynamics
- Momentum
- Energy
- Electrostatic Forces
- Electric Fields
- DC Circuits
- Magnetic Fields
What each module includes
Each PUM module is designed as a complete instructional unit with materials that support both teaching and learning throughout the sequence.
Lesson activities
Structured activities guide students through observation, reasoning, experimentation, and model building.
Homework
Questions reinforce conceptual understanding and support the development of mathematical reasoning.
Daily quizzes
Short formative assessments help teachers monitor understanding and adjust instruction.
Final assessments
Summative tasks evaluate students’ ability to apply ideas, reason from evidence, and use models.
Designed for flexibility
PUM modules are designed to be adaptable. Teachers can use them as written, modify them for their students, or integrate selected components into an existing curriculum.
Full sequence
Use modules in sequence to create a coherent course built around inquiry, modeling, and reasoning.
Supplemental use
Incorporate individual modules or activities into an existing course to strengthen conceptual understanding.
Adaptation
Adjust pacing, examples, or emphasis to meet the needs of different student populations and course structures.
Companion resources
PUM is aligned with the textbook College Physics: Explore and Apply and the companion Active Learning Guide. These resources can support implementation and provide additional structure for teachers and students.
Aligned language and structure
The terminology, symbols, and representations used in PUM are consistent with these companion resources.
Support for implementation
The materials provide additional guidance and practice opportunities that complement the PUM modules.
Coherent progression
Modules build on shared approaches to reasoning and representation.
Modules build on shared approaches to reasoning and representation.
Accessible materials
Designed for classrooms with typical equipment and constraints.
Designed for classrooms with typical equipment and constraints.
Practice-based learning
Students learn by doing physics, not just receiving information.
Students learn by doing physics, not just receiving information.
Adaptable design
Flexible enough to support a range of courses and student needs.
Flexible enough to support a range of courses and student needs.
Access the curriculum
PUM materials are available to educators for instructional use. Teachers can request access to the full set of modules, assessments, and supporting resources.