The "first physics first" movement, 1880-1920

The issue of the grade placement of the sciences in high school is a much-discussed topic and "Physics First" strands have become regular features at physics teacher conferences. The American Association of Physics Teachers has issued a position statement and published an informational guide concerning the movement.² There is a "Physics First" website, a list-serv that provides a forum for discussion, and at least six doctoral dissertations have been completed on the topic, with more in preparation.³ The topic is not confined to the physics education community; the American Chemical Society opened a forum on "Physics First" and recently called for a conference session about the grade placement of chemistry.⁴ Biologists also recently held a symposium on "Capstone Biology" and published their proceedings.⁵