The defining characteristics of studio physics classes are integrated
lecture/laboratory form, a reduction in lecture time, a technology-enhanced
learning environment, collaborative group work, and a high
level of faculty-student interaction. SCALE-UP (Student-Centered
Activities for Large Enrollment Undergraduate Programs) developed
at North Carolina State University expands the Studio Physics model
to classrooms of 100 or more students. The Ithaca College Performance-
based Physics room contains eleven 6.5-foot-diameter tables
with each table seating nine students working in groups of three for
a total of 99 students in the room. Each table has an associated 10.5-
foot-wide storage cabinet along the walls of the room containing
PASCO data-collection equipment and whiteboard doors for solving
problems. We are developing curriculum materials for general education
astronomy that take advantage of this format, and studying
their effectiveness at enhancing student learning. We are particularly
focused on enhancing student understanding of the nature of science.