Abstract: Teaching introductory physics is a critical service we are providing to students, and our general physics with calculus series is in need of a thorough assessment to understand what is effectively working in the classroom. In this talk, I will present my current and future teaching goals related to the development and creation of a baseline curriculum built with input from physics, engineering, and math. I will also present my research goals, including investigating student understanding of symbols, and creating and assessing content designed to better help students see the connection between symbols and the models they are describing. To give context to these goals and plans, I will provide information about my own background and teaching philosophy. By the end of my talk, I will provide a vision for introductory physics at OSU where instructors and their teaching team can thrive, and where students are better set up for success in their upper division courses.

Bio: Danielle Skinner received her PhD in Physics from the Georgia Institute of Technology where she studied first star formation in the early universe using high resolution cosmological simulations. She has worked as an Instructor in the Physics Department at OSU since the Fall of 2023.