An experimental new physics course designed to replace more traditional teaching of introductory physics is being pioneered this year by UC Davis professors Larry Coleman and Wendell Potter. "The students (in traditional courses) go to the formulas and plug them in," says Potter. "We will try anything that causes the students to actively struggle with the material rather than memorize it." The props and content of the course, including a bowling ball hanging from the ceiling of the classroom, are not unusual. What's new is that Coleman and Potter are employing the latest understanding of the learning process. The course stresses fundamental concepts and steers away from attempting to cover large bodies of information. Pleased with their success thus far, the instructors plan to share their teaching model with other colleges and universities. The new course is being funded through the National Science Foundation, which supports undergraduate course improvement. "We're convinced that little fixes are not going to do it," says Potter. "This is the big fix," adds Coleman.