Physics education research efforts in the department have three components: cognitive studies and research, teacher education, and the development of materials. The National Science Foundation is sponsoring an inquiry-based Discovery Project to improve middle school physics and math education. The National Science foundation and the U.S. Department of Education are sponsoring projects to improve introductory physics instruction for engineers, scientists, and non-science undergraduate students. These latter projects are based on cognitive research and modern pedagogy and include efforts to effectively use technology with interesting modern content. The physics education research group also provides workshops and summer training programs for two-year college teachers and courses for elementary education teachers and students. Members are active in national and international efforts concerning physics education. Faculty in the department interact with the local and regional high school teacher Physics Alliances. These efforts in cognitive study, education research and development, and teacher training involve several faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduate physics majors.