Promoting the learning of modern and contemporary physics in high schools in informal and non-formal contexts

In this paper, we introduce active learning strategies developed by the Educational Division of the Physics Department of the University of Cagliari to promote the learning of modern and contemporary physics (e.g., general relativity, particle physics, cosmology, and related topics) in high schools in informal and non-formal contexts. We discuss their features and potential role in facilitating science and physics instruction by integrating pedagogical theory and education research. We illustrate our theoretical framework and the methodologies we implemented to design specific educational strategies - and the evaluation of their effectiveness - to improve motivation, curiosity, and interest in modern and contemporary physics, as well as bring these topics more extensively to high schools. Finally, examples of the proposed educational activities are presented and their implications in informal and non-formal contexts are discussed.