Independent Workshops

Below is our list of independent workshops utilizing Vernier technology. If you plan on having a workshop featuring Vernier equipment, please let us know and we will advertise it here.

Workshops on Active Learning with Video Analysis

The LivePhoto Physics project is offering NSF-funded workshops for university and college faculty interested in using digital video analysis in student research, lectures, tutorials, homework assignments, and laboratories. These 3-day and 5-day workshops will cover capture and analysis techniques for a range of topic areas such as mechanics, thermal physics, wave propagation, electricity, magnetism, and optics. In addition, the literature on the impact of digital video analysis on student learning will be reviewed. A collection of video-based curricular materials and video clips will be provided to participants. Follow-up activities and on-line communication will allow participants to share videos, activities and ideas for teaching.

Orlando, FL, January 5�7, 2010. This 3-day workshop will be held at the University of Central Florida.

Portland, OR, July 12�16, 2010. This 5-day workshop will be held at Lewis and Clark College before the AAPT Summer Meeting.

There will be no tuition or fees. Room and board for faculty and instructional staff from US institutions will be provided, and those with demonstrated need who teach under-represented students may apply for partial travel stipends. The workshop leaders are Bob Teese (Rochester Institute of Technology), Priscilla Laws (Dickinson College), Pat Cooney (Millersville University) and Maxine Willis (Dickinson College).

Web Site: livephoto.rit.edu/workshops/
E-mail: Robert.Teese@rit.edu
Contact: Robert Teese, Physics Department 76-2120, RIT, 54 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623

Modeling Workshops
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University in Tempe invites high school physics and chemistry teachers nationwide to enroll in five summer Modeling Workshops that are for professional development and can lead to a Master of Natural Science degree.

Modeling Workshops thoroughly address most aspects of high school science teaching, including integration of teaching methods with course content as it should be done in the high school classroom. Workshops incorporate up-to-date results of physics and science education research, best high school curriculum materials, use of technology, and experience in collaborative learning and guidance.

Participants are introduced to the Modeling Method as a systematic approach to the design of curriculum and instruction. The name Modeling Instruction expresses an emphasis on making and using conceptual models of physical phenomena as central to learning and doing science. Adoption of "models and modeling" as a unifying theme for science and mathematics education is recommended by both NSES and NCTM Standards as well as AAAS Project 2061. Mathematics instruction is integrated seamlessly throughout each course by an emphasis on mathematical modeling.

In each workshop, content for an entire semester high school course is reorganized around models to increase its structural coherence. Participants are supplied with a complete set of course materials and work through all the activities alternately in the roles of student or teacher. Teachers use computers as scientific tools to collect, organize, analyze, visualize, and model real data.

Since Modeling Workshops are high-quality professional development based on scientifically-based research, teachers can request Federal Title II-A funds from their local education agency (LEA) to pay tuition and/or to buy classroom technology to implement it. Relevant Federal guidelines for use of Title II-A funds can be downloaded at the website. Arizona teachers can apply for free tuition and free housing. Excellent low-cost family and individual housing is nearby.

Modeling Workshops in summer 2010:
* Mechanics: June 14 - July 2
* Microscopic electricity & magnetism: June 14 - July 2 (prerequisite: mechanics)
* First semester chemistry: June 14 - July 2
* Light: July 6 - 30 (mornings. Prerequisite: mechanics)
* Physical science: July 6 - 23

Web Site: http://modeling.asu.edu/MNS/MNS.html
E-mail: Jane.Jackson@asu.edu
Contact: Jane Jackson, Co-Director, Modeling Instruction Program Box 871504, Department of Physics, ASU, Tempe, AZ 85287 480-965-8438/fax:965-7565

Summer Modeling Workshops Nationwide For High School And Middle School Science Teachers

Modeling Workshops in high school physics, chemistry, and/or middle/high school physical science will be offered in summer 2010 in many states. Vernier products are used at most locations. Stipends at some sites. Most workshops are two or three weeks long.

Web Site: http://modeling.asu.edu/MW_nation.html