Peter Garik
Position:		Associate Professor
Department:		Curriculum and Teaching
Program:		Science Education

Educational History

PhD in Theoretical Physics,�Cornell University
M.Sc. in Physics, Cornell University�
B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics, SUNY at Stony Brook�

Contact Information
Phone:		617-353-4735
E-mail:		garik@bu.edu

Profile

Dr. Garik’s research centers mainly on how to improve science instruction through visualization of abstract scientific models using computer tools. He has worked on curriculum projects that integrate computer modeling into the classroom; contributed to in-service teacher training projects; and, co-directed the development of a science museum exhibit incorporating hands-on experiments and multimedia displays. Currently Dr. Garik’s research includes a project that focuses on methods for teaching quantum concepts in general chemistry using computer simulations; a study of expert versus novice understanding of quantum concepts; and, research on engineering instruction. In his research, Dr. Garik works closely with CAS and SED faculty members, and with faculty affiliated with the Science and Mathematics Education Center.

Courses Taught

CAS�NS101 �Integrated Science I
CAS�NS102 �Integrated Science II

Selected Publications

“Science Research in the Classroom”, S.V. Buldyrev, M.J. Erickson, P. Garik, L.S. Shore, H.E. Stanley, E.F. Taylor, P.A. Trunfio, and P. Hickman, The Physics Teacher 32, 411 (1994).
“Fractals in the Classroom”, P. Garik, MRS Bulletin 19, 44 (1994).
“Overcoming Resistance with Fractals”, W. Ching, M.J. Erickson, P. Garik, P. Hickman, J. Jordan, S. Schwarzer, and L.S. Shore, The Physics Teacher 32, 546 (1994).
“Learning Fractals by ‘Doing Science’: Applying Cognitive Apprenticeship Strategies to Curriculum Design and Instruction” by L.S. Shore, M.J. Erickson, P. Garik, P. Hickman, H.E. Stanley, E.F. Taylor, and P.A. Trunfio, Interactive Learning Environments 2, 2005 (1992).

Selected Presentations

“How Much Physics Do General Chemistry Students Need to Understand Spectroscopy?” by Peter Garik, Alan Crosby, Dan Dill, Alex Golger, and Morton Z. Hoffman, 230th American Chemical Society National Meeting, August 2005, Washington, D.C.
“Prerequisites for Acquisition of Quantum Concepts and Their Comprehension by Undergraduate Chemistry Students” by Peter Garik, Peter Carr, Alan Crosby, Dan Dill, Luciana Garbayo, Alexander Golger, and Morton Z. Hoffman, 18th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, 2004, Ames, Iowa.
“Targeted Interactive Software for Teaching Quantum Concepts in Multiple Educational Environments” by Peter Garik, Alan Crosby, Peter Carr, Dan Dill, Alexander Golger, Morton Z. Hoffman, Paul Horwitz, and Charles L. Hurwitz, 18th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, 2004, Ames, Iowa.
“Students’ Understanding of Quantum Concepts Entering a General Chemistry Course” by P. Garik, L. Garbayo, A. Crosby, D. Dill, A. Golger, and M. Hoffman, paper presented at the National Association of Research in Science Teaching Annual Meeting 2004, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
“What general chemistry students know about quantum concepts” by Peter Garik, Peter Carr, Alan Crosby, Dan Dill, Yehudit Judy Dori, Haim Eshach, Luciana Garbayo, Alex Golger, and Morton Z. Hoffman, presented by Peter Garik at the American Chemical Society National Meeting, September 7 – 11, 2003, New York, NY.
“Medical Students’ Conceptions about the Quantum Nature of Atoms and the Bonding of Atoms” by H. Eshach, I. Spector, and P. Garik, presented at the National Association of Research in Science Teaching Annual Meeting 2003, Philadelphia, PA.
"Using Software for Quantum Concept Instruction in the Classroom" presented at the Gordon Conference on Physics Research and Education: Quantum Mechanics, June 9 - 14, 2002
"Knowledge Requirements for Teaching Quantum Concepts in Chemistry Using Software", by Peter Garik, Alan D. Crosby, Dan Dill, Yehudit Judy Dori, Haim Eshach and Morton Z. Hoffman, presented by Peter Garik at the 224th American Chemical Society National Meeting, August 18 - 22, 2002, Boston, MA.
“Conceptual Change in Students’ Understanding of Atoms and the Bonds Between Atoms after Using Interactive Visualization Tools” by H. Eshach and P. Garik, presented at the National Association for Research in Science Teaching Annual Meeting 2002, New Orleans, LA.

Selected Grants

Principal Investigator, Improving the Quality of Teachers of Physics, Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.�(1/1/05 – 12/31/07).
Physics for Boston Public School Teachers of Physics, National Science Foundation via subcontract w/Boston Public Schools.�(1/1/04 - 12/31/06).

Selected Professional Memberships

American Physical Society
American Chemical Society
National Association for Research in Science Teaching