Teaching Einsteinian Physics in Schools: An Essential Guide for Teachers in Training and Practice

In our world today, scientists and technologists speak one language of reality. Everyone else, whether they be prime ministers, lawyers, or primary school teachers speak an outdated Newtonian language of reality.

While Newton saw time and space as rigid and absolute, Einstein showed that time is relative – it depends on height and velocity – and that space can stretch and distort. The modern Einsteinian perspective represents a significant paradigm shift compared with the Newtonian paradigm that underpins most of the school education today. Research has shown that young learners quickly access and accept Einsteinian concepts and the modern language of reality. Students enjoy learning about curved space, photons, gravitational waves, and time dilation; often, they ask for more!

A consistent education within the Einsteinian paradigm requires rethinking of science education across the entire school curriculum, and this is now attracting attention around the world. This book brings together a coherent set of chapters written by leading experts in the field of Einsteinian physics education. The book begins by exploring the fundamental concepts of space, time, light, and gravity and how teachers can introduce these topics at an early age. A radical change in the curriculum requires new learning instruments and innovative instructional approaches. Throughout the book, the authors emphasise and discuss evidence-based approaches to Einsteinian concepts, including computer- based tools, geometrical methods, models and analogies, and simplified mathematical treatments.

Teaching Einsteinian Physics in Schools is designed as a resource for teacher education students, primary and secondary science teachers, and for anyone interested in a scientifically accurate description of physical reality at a level appropriate for school education.

Magdalena Kersting is an educational researcher, physics educator, and science communicator with a keen interest in getting students excited about Einsteinian physics. Based at the University of Oslo in Norway, Magdalena collaborates with scientists, educators, and teachers around the world to bring great science education to as many students as possible. She believes that Einsteinian physics education can help students think more clearly about complex ideas and, eventually, enable them to build a better future. ​

David Blair is a pioneer in gravitational wave research with a passion for education. This led him to found both the Australian International Gravitational Research Centre and the Gravity Discovery Centre. The research centre played a significant role in the discovery of gravitational waves, and is now part of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery, OzGrav. The Gravity Discovery Centre was set up as an education centre to bring Einsteinian physics to schools and the public. He leads the Einstein-First Project, which is developing a complete Einsteinian physics science curriculum from primary to high school.