N.Z. Teachers To Help To Devise Physics Courses

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29734, 30 January 1962, Page 6

N.Z. Teachers To Help To Devise Physics Courses

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Jan. 29.

Two New Zealand physics teachers. Mr D. Nelson and Mr S. E. Mead, have been invited by the physical science study committee attached to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to join a team of scientists devising modem courses of physics for secondary schools. This was announced today by the Minister of Education (Mr Tennent). The committee consists of university professors, high school teachers, industrial scientists, and other specialists drawn from many parts of the United States. The first of its courses, developed over five years, is already being taught in many American schools and is being introduced this year initio 18 New Zealand schools at the university entrance level.

The course on which the New Zealanders will be working is an “advanced topics” course designed to assure a smooth transition from the lower sixth form work to the university. “Teachers have also been invited from the United Kingdom and other countries of Western Europe.” said Mr Tennent. ‘The inclusion of New Zealanders is a wonderful opportunity for our teachers, and the offer is quite a tribute to us." The present project is a direct result of the visit to New Zealand last year of

Professors Gilbert C. Finley and Stefan Machlup, two senior members of the physical science study commit.ee. “Both were very impressed with the teaching of science in our post-primary schools, and in particular with certain aspects of our teaching metihods at the senior level," Mr Tennent said. Mr Mead and Mr Nelson, who will leave on Sunday, will spend six mom'Jhs in the United States. Mr Mead is head of the department of science ait the Hamilton Boys’ High School, and Mr Nelson is an inspector of postprimary schools with the Department of Education, Wellington.