But to the Ball State science educators, such items as tops, rubber balls and yo-yos aren't just toys. They're laboratory equipment.

The couple has been toying with science for more than three decades. Their goal is to bring basic physics principles to elementary school students.

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) will recognize their efforts in January by presenting distinguished service citations to Jim, a physics and astronomy professor, and Nancy, who teaches middle school science at Burris Laboratory School.

"AAPT has done more for us than we've done for them," Nancy said. "They provided a venue for us to try new ideas."

Their biggest idea was radical. Physics can be made simple and fun for children by using common toys. A spinning top, for example, can lead to discussion of Newton's third law: every action or force gives rise to a reaction or opposing force.

"Elementary education students are scared of physics," Jim said. "They can learn it, but they don't know they can because they lack self-confidence. They're able to spout all the definitions, but children know only one word and that's ‘why?'"

And when children see their toys used to teach science, Nancy said, they learn that scientists are just everyday people.

"Scientists aren't people in an ivory tower in white lab coats working over a string of equations," Nancy said.

Beginning with talks and workshops at AAPT meetings, the Watsons brought "toying with science" to hundreds of teachers and ultimately thousands of students.

David Ober, chair of the physics department, said the Watsons' Ball State workshops for teachers at all levels have earned national recognition.

"Their service to the profession and their use of toys as aids to excite young students to pursue science are certainly several of the reasons the American Association of Physics Teachers has chosen them for their well deserved honors," Ober said.

The physics department is proud of Jim's contributions to the teaching of physics, Ober said. Over the years Jim has worked with Ball State's preservice physics teachers and elementary school science teachers. He has also chaired and served on national committees recognizing and promoting excellence in physics teaching. 

Nancy Watson is the lone teacher on an American Institute of Physics panel reviewing 70 children's books a year. She remains one of the few elementary teachers active in AAPT.

"I've been asked why I don't get my doctorate and teach at the college level," she said. "But I love teaching children 11 to 13!"

Teachers College Dean Roy Weaver wouldn't have it any other way. He said Nancy is an inspiration in the classroom.

"Her enthusiasm for what she teaches, her deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of her students, her value of continuing professional development, and her ‘modeling' these qualities for her peers and others is unique," Weaver said.

What isn't unique, Nancy feels, is the Watsons' work which the AAPT will honor in January.

"We never thought that what we did was service," Nancy said. "It's just what you do if you're a professional."