News, Workshops

Distance Learning: Electricity and Magnetism available spring 2016

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There has been a lot of interest in having distance learning “second” Modeling Workshops for Modelers who really want to experience second semester conceptual model development (in physics and chemistry) using Modeling curriculum resources in a workshop setting with experienced instructors. In light of this, AMTA will offer a 45-hour Distance Learning E&M Modeling Workshop led by Matt Scheffler and David Weaver.

E & M iconThe course will run on Wednesdays from Feb. 3 through May 11, 2016, with synchronous class meetings:

  • 4:00-7:00 PM Pacific
  • 5:00-8:00 PM Mountain
  • 6:00-9:00 PM Central
  • 7:00-10:00 PM Eastern,

The course will run for 15 consecutive weeks which will require three hours per week during the aforementioned times for synchronous communications as well as at least three additional hours per week for individual and virtual group work. Regardless of whether you sign up for graduate credit or not, we expect you bring your Modeling “A” game each week and interact both in class and out of class like we all expect from our students. If you don’t have at least 6 hours per week to devote to this course, you should probably wait until you can attend a traditional face-to-face course. Continue reading Distance Learning: Electricity and Magnetism available spring 2016 →

News

Contribute to AMTA when you buy whiteboards

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AMTA has entered an agreement with WhiteBoardsUSA in which they will donate to AMTA 10% of all sales to our members. All you need to do is mention that you are an AMTA member, and they will send us a check!

group around a whiteboardFor ten years, WhiteBoardsUSA has been distributing class-size whiteboards (23.6″ x 31.6″) in both portrait and landscape formats (each has a handhold cutout which determines if the board is landscape or portrait). They thought a ten-year anniversary would be a good time to offer a fundraising opportunity for AMTA–we appreciate their thought and encourage you to think of whiteboardsUSA for your next whiteboard purchase.

whiteboard being routedThese boards aren’t as cheap as buying them and having them cut at your local big-box lumber store, but they have smoothed/ rounded edges and the handhold cutout that you won’t get going “on the cheap.”

If your budget will allow it, we encourage you to purchase from whiteboardsUSA–click here and be sure to mention you are an AMTA member when you purchase so we get our donation!

If you place an order with WhiteboardsUSA, please let us know we we can judge how well this campaign is going:

[contact-form to=’wendy@legacy.modelinginstruction.org’ subject=’Whiteboard purchase’][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Your institution’ type=’text’/][contact-field label=’What did you order?’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

News

Modeling Workshops for Summer 2016

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Introduction

Note: This page is frequently updated as new information becomes available. [Updated 5/24/16]

Below you will find a list of Modeling Workshops that are being planned for Summer 2016.  Whether they will actually occur depends upon enrollment and funding.  Most are three-week summer workshops that thoroughly treat the pedagogy using approximately one semester of the content for a high school physics, chemistry, physical science, biology or middle school course. Content is organized around a small set of basic models (rather than a lengthy list of topics) to increase its structural coherence. Workshop leaders have attended multiple Modeling Instruction workshops and have considerable experience teaching using this method. Participants are supplied with a complete set of course materials and work through activities alternating in the roles of student or teacher, as they practice techniques of guided inquiry and cooperative learning. At some workshops, teachers receive stipends and/or tuition waivers, instructional materials, and sometimes housing at reduced rates. (State-funded workshops provide these only for in-state teachers.) Generally, workshops use whatever probes and interfaces are available at the site

A note about duration. Click here to learn more about why workshops are 2-3 weeks in length.

Free 1-year trial membership in AMTA! Participants in full workshops this summer are eligible for a free 1-year trial membership in AMTA. Your workshop leader will provide you details on how to enroll. At the end of the year you will have the option of renewing your membership. Follow this link for some details.

Ask your school district to pay for your Modeling Workshop. The document HowGetFinancialHelp from Jane Jackson offers advice on getting financial help from your district or other sources.

Workshops by State

Below is a current list of workshops.  Some workshops are contingent on funding and sufficient enrollment to make them cost-effective. Unless otherwise noted, workshops are open to high school and post-secondary science teachers worldwide.

  • [expand title=”Alabama”]
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Arizona“]
    Arizona State University-Tempe
    Open to high school and middle school teachers nationwide.
    Dates: June 6-24
    Content: Mechanics (PHS 530 / PHY 480: Methods of Teaching Physics I (mechanics)
    Leader: Jeff Steinert (probably)
    ***
    Content: CASTLE (PHS 594 / PHY 494: Electricity for Middle/Secondary Teachers (Modeling Workshop in CASTLE Electricity)
    Leader: Bill Edelbrock
    ***
    Content: Chemistry (CHM 594 / CHM 480: Modeling Instruction in HS Chemistry I)
    Leader: Mitch Sweet
    Site: Tempe Preparatory Academy
    ***
    Dates: July 5-15
    Content: Thermodynamics (CHM 594/ PHS 594: Modeling Workshop in Thermodynamics)
    Leader: Levi Torrison
    Site: ASU, Tempe
    For further information visit the page on the MNS program at ASU
    ***
    Pima Community College, Tucson
    Dates: June 13-30
    Content: mechanics
    Leader: Kelli Gamez-Warble
    Click here for a flyer 2016 Mechanics Modeling Workshop Tucson
    Follow this link to register
    Contact Karie Meyers for details
    ***
    Location: Bourgade Catholic HS, Phoenix
    Dates: July 5 – 15
    Content: biology
    Leaders: Chantel Dooley and Matthew Kennedy
    Cost: $750
    Follow this link to register
    Contact Wendy Hehemann for details
    ***
    Phoenix – MCESA headquarters
    Dates: July 11-22     (with additional 5 follow up sessions in fall 2016
    Content: middle school science
    Leaders: Christi Mendoza and Brian Hoffner
    Cost: $500
    Contact Gale Beauchamp for details
    Follow this link to register
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Arkansas”]
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”California“]
    American River College, Sacramento
    Date: June 13-24
    Content: Chemistry 1
    Leaders: Larry Dukerich and Mina Bhagdev
    Host: Linda Zarzana
    Download the American River workshop flyer
    Click here for registration information
    Contact Wendy Hehemann for details
    ***
    Milken Community Schools, Los Angeles
    Dates: June 14 – July 1
    Content: mechanics
    Leaders: Shannon McLaughlin & Megan Bartley
    Cost: $750
    Click here for a flyer FlyerLosAngelesModelingInstructionWorkshopinMechanics
    Click here to register
    Contact Megan Bartley for details
    ***
    Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
    Dates: June 20 – July 1
    Content: physics I
    Leader: Jon Anderson
    Content: chemistry 2 (chemistry 1 is a prerequisite)
    Leader: Brenda Royce
    Registration fee: Early bird (by April 1) $300 – regular – $350
    Download Modeling 2016 flyer_finalprint for more information
    Contact Kathleen Kravets for details
    ***
    Fresno, University HS
    Dates: June 20 – July 1
    Content: mechanics
    Leader: David Gettman
    ***
    Dates: July 11-22
    Content: chemistry I
    Leader: Brenda Royce
    Download a flyer CA Fresno 2016 for all Fresno workshops
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Colorado”]
    University of Northern Colorado
    Dates: July 18-29
    Content: Chemistry I
    Leaders: Laura Slocum & Larry Dukerich
    Cost: $600
    This workshop is listed as a pre-conference workshop for the Biennial Conference on Chemistry Education (BCCE). Click here for workshop information
    Click here to register
    Contact Richard Schwenz for details
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Connecticut“]
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Florida“]
    NOVA University HS, Fort Lauderdale
    Dates: July 11 – 29
    Content: chemistry 1
    Leader: Carlos Montero
    Cost: TBD
    Contact Carlos Montero for details
    ***
    University of Central Florida
    Dates: June 27-July 11     (tentatively)
    Content: mechanics (cancelled)
    Leader: Art Woodruff
    Cost: $1000, funding is being sought
    Contact Kevin Thomas for details
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Georgia“]
    Georgia State University
    Dates: June 29- July 16
    Content: mechanics
    Leader: Frank Lock
    Contact Frank Lock for details
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Illinois“]
    Wheaton-Warrenville South High School, Wheaton
    Dates: June 13-24
    Content: mechanics
    Leader: Jim Stankevitz
    Content: E & M
    Leader: Matt Scheffler
    Content: chemistry I
    Leader: Phil Culcasi
    Content: biology
    Leader: Frank Novakowski
    Contact Jim Stankevitz for details
    ***
    DeVry University – Chicago
    July 25- Aug 5
    Content: mechanics
    Leader: Jim Stankevitz
    Follow this link to register for all the IL workshops
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Iowa“]
    Iowa State University
    Dates: June 13- July 1
    Content: mechanics and engineering (for Iowa teachers only)
    Leader: Brad Jacobson
    Cost: TBD
    Download a flyer IA 2016 SummerModelingWorkshopDesc
    Contact Adah Leshem for details
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Kansas“]
    Site: Southwest Plains Regional Service Center, Sublette, KS
    Dates: June 20 – July 1 – cancelled due to loss of funding
    Content: mechanics
    Leaders: Earl Legleiter and Kara Luce
    Contact Earl Legleiter for details
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Kentucky“]
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Louisiana”]
    New Orleans CORE
    Site: Tulane University
    July 11-22
    Content: Middle School Science
    Leaders: Kelli Gamez-Warble
    Contact Andrea Walker for details
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Maine”]
    Kennebunk
    Dates:July 25-29 and August 1-5
    Content: kinematics (week 1), dynamics (week 2)
    Leader: Shannon McLaughlin
    Content: intro to chemistry I (week 1), intro to chemistry II (week 2)
    Leader: Thomas Pfeiffer
    Download modelingworkshops16 flyer for further information
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Massachusetts”]
    Franklin High school, Franklin MA
    Dates: July 11-22
    Content: mechanics
    Leaders: Darren Broder and Scott Thomas
    Content: chemistry
    Leaders: LeeAnn Richardson and John Vaden (cancelled)
    Contact William Bobrowsky for details
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Michigan”]
    Southeast Michigan

    Oakland Tech Campus, Royal Oak
    Dates: June 21 – July 8
    Content: Electricity & Magnetism
    Leaders: Laura Ritter and Don Pata
    Click here for application link
    ***
    Dates: TBD
    Content: physics
    Leader: Earl Legleiter
    Click here for application link
    ***
    Location: Novi HS
    Dates: June 20 – July 8
    Content: physical science
    Leaders: Phil Root and David Leib
    Click here for application link
    ***
    Dates: July 25 – August 12
    Content: chemistry
    Leaders: Seth Furlow and Russ Shaffer
    Click here for application link

    Southwest Michigan

    Grandville High School
    Dates: July 18 – August 5
    Content: chemistry
    Leader: Levi Torrison
    Click here for application link
    Contact: Wendi Vogel for details
    ***
    Location: Fruitport Middle School
    Dates: June 27 – July 19
    Content: middle school science
    Leaders: Rich McNamara and George Nelson
    Click here for application link
    Contact: Sarah Coleman for details

    South Central Michigan

    Location: Lansing Community College
    Dates: July 11 – July 29
    Content: mechanics
    Leaders: Laura Sloma and Megan Bartley
    Click here for application link
    ***
    Content: chemistry
    Leader: Alan Vancil
    Click here for application link
    Contact: Lory Thayer for details

    North Central Michigan

    Grayling High School
    Dates: June 20 – July 8
    Content: biology
    Leader: Derek Nussbaum-Wagler
    Click here for application link
    ***
    Location: Roscommon Middle School
    Dates: July 18 – August 5
    Content: middle school science
    Leaders: Jeff Hengesbach and George Nelson
    Click here for application link
    Contact: Melissa Hayes for details

    Upper Peninsula

    Seaborg Math Science Center (Northern Michigan University)
    Dates: July 11 – July 29
    Content: biology
    Leader: Angela Gard
    Click here for application link
    Contact: Chris Standerford for details
    [/expand]

  • [expand title=”Nebraska”]
    Omaha – Westside HS – cancelled due to loss of funding
    Dates: July 5-15
    Content: mechanics
    Leaders: Earl Legleiter & Judith Stucky
    Costs: $700
    Contact: Earl Legleiter for details
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”New York“]
    SUNY-Buffalo State College
    Dates: July 25-August 12
    Content: mechanics
    Leaders: Meg Helmes, Craig Uhrich
    Contact: Dan MacIsaac for details
    ***
    Teachers College-Columbia University, NY City
    Organizer: STEMteachersNYC
    Dates: July 5-15
    Content area: Chemistry II
    Leader: Larry Dukerich
    Click here to register
    ***
    Dates: July 11-29
    Content: Middle school science
    Leaders: Erin Conrardy and Kate Bauer
    Click here to register
    ***
    Dates: July 18- August 5
    Content: Mechanics
    Leaders: Paul Bianchi and Zhanna Glazenburg
    Click here to register
    ***
    Content area: Chemistry I
    Leaders: Donghong Sun and Rachel Ward
    Click here to register
    ***
    Note: Middle School Science (July 11-29), Mechanics (July 18-Aug 5), and Chemistry I (July 18-Aug 5) all run for 3 full weeks and cost $999. Chemistry II (July 5 -15, led by Larry Dukerich) is a 9-day workshop and costs $899. $400 scholarships are available for participants who are paying the fee themselves with no reimbursement.
    All workshops will be held at Columbia Teachers College, 525 West 120th St., NY, NY, except High School Chemistry II, which will be held at a public high school 3 blocks from Teachers College. There will be ample opportunities for interaction among teachers in these workshops.
    More details can be found at the PhysTEC website
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”N Carolina”]
    Asheville School
    Dates: June 20-July 1     cancelled due to low enrollment
    Content: Biology
    Leaders: Angela Gard, Julie Maimes
    Contact: Frank Krieglerfor details
    See 2016 Asheville NC biology ModelingFlyer-final for more information
    ***
    NCSU – Raleigh
    Dates: July 11-29 (pending funding)
    Content: Biology (2x)
    Leaders: Julie Maimes, Jennifer Griffin, LaToya Scott, Lynn Gaskin
    Content: Physical science
    Leaders: Thomas Brown and Mike Turner
    Content: Chemistry
    Leaders: David Farabee & Stephen Colbert
    Open to N. Carolina teachers only
    Click here for details and to register
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Ohio“]
    Cleveland – Baldwin-Wallace U
    Dates: June 13 – July 1
    Content: mechanics
    Leaders: Mr Jess Dykes and Ms Holly McTernan
    Cost: $800/person, including 6 grad credits (This is the cost with no funding. Funding is being sought to reduce/offset costs)
    There is space for 24 participants – residence available if needed
    The minimum number to conduct the workshop is 15
    Download this flyer for more information Modeling Mechanics Workshop Housing & Course Info
    Follow this link to register
    Contact: Jackie Yavornitsky for details
    ***
    Ohio State University
    Location: New Albany HS
    Dates: June 13-July 1
    Content: Chemistry I
    Leaders: Liz Emmer and Tom Wisard
    Content: Mechanics
    Leaders: Brian Carpenter, Chas Deremer
    Advanced/Curriculum Development
    Leaders: Heidi Kresge and Rick Jacox
    Download the 2016 ModelingFlyer
    ***
    Ohio State University (main campus)
    Dates: June 13-July 1
    Content: biology
    Open to Ohio teachers only
    Contact: Kathy Malone for details
    ***
    Date: June 20-24
    Content: Engineering (1 week) for experienced Modelers only
    Leader: Dr. Kathy Harper
    Contact: Kathy Harper for details
    ***
    Bowling Green State U
    Dates: July 11-22
    Content: Physics/chemistry
    Leaders: Nate Ash and Kim Layden
    ***
    Dates: July 11-29
    Content: biology
    Leader: Kristina Newman
    Follow this link for further information
    Contact: John Laird for details
    ***
    Cincinnati – Indian Hills HS
    Dates: June 13 – July 1
    Content: mechanics
    Leaders: Aaron Debbink & Ben Buehler
    Download the 2016 Information Flyer
    Follow this link to register
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Pennsylvania”]

    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Texas”]
    Southern Methodist University, Dallas
    Dates: June 8-28
    Content: E & M
    Leaders: Michael Crofton and Dan Garrison
    Contact: Dr. Dalley for details
    ***
    St. Edwards University, Austin
    Dates: July 20-30, Saturday included
    Leaders: Kay Fincher & Richard Wright
    Costs: $695/$795 early-bird/regular (includes lunch)
    host searching for funding
    Optional room & board: $79/day
    Contact: Michael Dolan for details
    [/expand]

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Workshops Overseas

  • [expand title=”Bangkok, Thailand“]
    Site: NIST International School – cancelled due to low enrollment
    Dates: June 20-July 8
    Content: mechanics
    Leader: Bill Canham
    Click here to register
    Contact Bill Canham for details
    [/expand]

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Introduction to Modeling Instruction
Workshops

and other modeling-inspired professional development

These 1-week professional development experiences afford participants the chance to explore aspects of modeling instruction.

  • [expand title=”California”]
    Fresno – University HS
    Dates: July 11-15
    Content: modeling middle school concepts – intro workshop-and connection to NGSS
    Leader: Monica Bravo
    Note: a 3-week version of this workshop is also available
    Dates: June 20 – July 1
    Leaders: Monica Bravo and Patrick Moyle
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”Minnesota”]
    Minneapolis area – Shakopee HS
    Dates: July 11-15
    Content: Intro to Modeling Instruction™
    Jim Reichling and Eric Gettust
    Cost: $500
    Follow this link for further information and to register
    Contact Ryan Krominga for details
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”New York”]
    Sienna College
    Dates: 7/5-8
    The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Siena College is offering a four-day introductory workshop on the Modeling approach to teaching high school physics. The workshop will focus on utilizing whiteboards to facilitate student-to-student discourse in the physics classroom. Teachers will work in “student mode”, as they attempt to piece together the salient features of the models presented. This summer, we will once again focus on the 9 Mechanics models. Registration is limited to 24 people, and participants will receive 24 hours of professional development that may be applied toward re-certification Please feel free to invite any other individuals who might also benefit from this workshop. The workshop will take place on Tuesday July 5 – Friday July 8 2016 in Roger Bacon Hall, Room 250 from 8 – 3. The workshop, including lunch on the first day will be provided at no cost to the participants. $30.00 from each participant will cover lunch for the remaining 3 days of the workshop. Breakfast items will also be provided each day.
    Contact Darren Broder for details
    ***
    Location: Teachers College – Columbia University
    Dates: July 11-15
    Content: Introduction to Modeling
    Leaders: Mark Schober & Craig Buszka
    Click here for application link
    ***
    Content: Graphical Problem Solving in Physics
    Leader: Kelly O’Shea
    Click here for registration link
    ***
    Dates: July 18-22
    Content: Curriculum development camp
    Leader: Mark Schober
    Click here for application link
    [/expand]
  • [expand title=”S Carolina”]
    Location: Wando High School, Mt. Pleasant
    Dates: June 13-16
    Leaders: Jason Lonon and Tom Brown
    Cost: $375, which includes registration and all course materials
    Follow this link to download a flier 2016 SC Introduction to Modeling Workshop – Summer 2016
    Click here to register
    [/expand]

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Modeling Workshop organizers post additional details at the
PhysTEC website.

 

Uncategorized

Maiden Voyage of a Kinematics Robot

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Matt Greenwolfe, a long-time physics modeler, recently had an article published in The Physics Teacher (April 2015) describing a robotic kinematics apparatus he designed. Students program the robot by drawing kinematic graphs on a computer and then observe its motion. The full article is available on the Publications and Report page under the [Research] tab. Enjoy.