A research-based curriculum for teaching the photoelectric effect

We have developed a curriculum on the photoelectric effect including an interactive computer simulation, interactive lectures with peer instruction, and conceptual and mathematical homework problems. Our curriculum addresses established student difficulties and is designed so that students will be able to (1) correctly predict the results of experiments on the photoelectric effect and (2) describe how these results lead to the photon model of light. Our instruction leads to better student mastery of the first goal than either traditional instruction or previous reformed instruction, with approximately 85% of students correctly predicting the results of changes to the experimental conditions. Most students are able to correctly state the observations made in the photoelectric effect experiment and the inferences that can be made from these observations, but are less successful drawing a clear logical connection between the observations and the inferences. (C) 2009 American Association of Physics Teachers.