Bridging Physics Researchers and Educators: A Novel Physics Education Scaffold for K-6 Instruction

Physics is often reserved for upper grades, depriving young learners of the opportunity to explore the natural world through its most fundamental principles. This presentation introduces one component of Physics to the Core™, a comprehensive initiative dedicated to transforming science education through equitable, concept-centered instruction. Specifically, this session focuses on the K–6 instructional framework that positions physics as the conceptual backbone of interdisciplinary learning.

A classroom teacher curated a sequence of 25 developmentally appropriate physics concepts as the foundation for meaningful K-6 physics instruction. After the initial creation of these concepts, a physics researcher was consulted to review and verify the scientific accuracy of the framework. The resulting professional resource, From Galileo to Qubits: 25 Physics Concepts Every K-6 Teacher Should Know©, serves as a guide for building teacher confidence and competence in delivering rigorous, age-appropriate, and (Next Generation Science Standards) NGSS-aligned physics instruction. We include special emphasis on quantum concepts for K-6. The framework aligns with the goals of the national Q-12 Education Partnership, supporting physics literacy from early education through career preparation by strengthening teacher capacity and promoting equitable access to conceptually rich physics experiences. We aim to encourage physics researchers to collaborate with K-6 science educators in fostering the next generation of physicists.

This presentation will share:

• The structure and pedagogical philosophy of Physics to the Core™

• A preview of the From Galileo to Qubits© framework

• Anecdotal and observational insights from the pilot classroom

• A roadmap for implementation, including the professional learning model

• Long-term goals for integrating quantum concepts into K-6 instruction in collaboration with physics researchers