Welcome to Physics in Action

Welcome to our new and exciting project, Physics in Action. This project involves reimagining the way we teach and learn about Physics. In particular, this project looks at the importance of using our bodies when teaching and learning, this is called embodied cognition. Embodied cognition is best defined as actions which assist the brain’s cognitive processing as our thoughts are shaped by the types of perceptual and motor experiences we have as we interact each day with the world (Glenberg, 2008). There are many ways that this concept can be applied to the classroom and studies have found that there are also many benefits.

This project is funded by the Science Foundation Ireland and Dublin City University. It is taking place in four schools across Ireland, Balbriggan Educate Together National School, Francis Street National School, St Colmcille's National School Mullingar and Scoil Mhuire Navan. So far the teachers have carried out a wide range of lessons, which include activities involving jelly, spinners, ice cubes, parachutes and much more. We have been conducting interviews and focus groups with teachers and pupils and have many fascinating findings coming through. In the coming school year, we plan to get parents involved by giving them the skills they need to use embodied cognition at home to learn about Science and Physics.

Have a look through our website to learn more about Embodied Cognition, our project itself and the findings we have been making.