Trial of “Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation” Tests in Japanese High Schools

Abstract

A tentative version of Japanese translation of "Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation" was used in a preliminary research to investigate high school students' conceptual understanding of Newtonian dynamics after the students attended formal courses on the topic in 2006 -07. The results obtained were generally similar to those of post-tests after traditional lectures in universities in U.S.A.. It was also used as pre-and post-test at two extramural classes on dynamics based on the active learning materials. The results of those uses suggested a well validated version of the translated test and more systematic large scale research can contribute well to physics education research in Japan.