Department of Physics

Physics Department Faculty

Roy D. Unruh

Emeritus Professor of Physics and Science Education
e-mail: rmunruh@cfu.net

Roy Unruh retired in August, 2001 and is now emeritus professor of physics and science education. He continues as co-director, with Larry Escalada, of the PRISMS (Physics Resources and Instructional Strategies for Motivating Students) Project. The enhancements resulting from an NSF grant are being implemented into a secondary school physics curriculum, PRISMS PLUS, which will be published by Centre Pointe Learning, Fairfield, OH. He continues to be involved in presentations and workshops for PRISMS PLUS. He is currently involved as a member of the Iowa Content Networks, which is evaluating research related to mathematics, reading and science programs and practices for K-12 schools.

Recent Publications

Escalada, L. T., Unruh, R., Cooney, T., & Foltz, J., "Students see the light: Investigating luminescence and incandescence through a three-part learning cycle," The Science Teacher 68(4), 40-43 (2001).

Unruh, R., Li, L., Meng, X. L., and Zhang, L. M., "Comparing misconceptions in physics between Chinese and American students," Sci. Educ. Int. 8, 1 (1997).

Cooney, T. and Unruh, R., Physics Resources and Instructional Strategies for Motivating Students (PRISMS), 2nd ed., (Iowa Academy of Science, Cedar Falls, IA, 1993).

Unruh, R., Countryman, L., and Cooney, T., "The PRISMS approach - a spectrum of enlightening physics activities," Sci. Teach. 59, 5 (1992).