There is evidence that reform efforts centered on informed reinvention and invention can be
successful. As an example, consider the Modeling Physics project at Arizona State University
(http://modeling.asu.edu). This project is not a curriculum but rather a method of teaching based on
the development of scientific models, in contrast to the traditional approach which is organized around
topics. Dissemination focuses on helping teachers understand the modeling approach and why it is
effective rather than on distributing specific curriculum. The project was intentionally designed from
the beginning to treat teachers as partners [30]. Over time small teams of former workshop participants
and practicing teachers have developed curricular materials based on the modeling approach. After
review by an expert modeler, these materials are posted on a password‐protected webpage and
provided to all teachers who are, in turn, encouraged to modify the materials and share their
modifications. Additionally, teachers using the modeling approach have formed a community with an
active listserv which is used to support teachers having difficulty implementing the method and to allow
teachers at similar schools to share the ways in which they have successfully adapted the method to
their unique situation.
From a dissemination point of view, modeling has been exceptionally successful. As of this writing,
more than 2000 high school teachers nationwide have participated in at least one 15‐day modeling
workshop. Of the teachers who participated in the full two‐summer program, more than 90% indicated
that it had a highly significant influence on the way they teach [31].