WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
Wisconsin Association of Physics Teachers
2001 Annual Meeting
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
October 26 - 27, 2001
W1 A Penny For Your Thoughts
Friday morning, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Room B-112 Science Building
Mark Lattery (University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh) E-mail: lattery@uwosh.edu
Enrollment limit: 24 participants.
Workshop fee: $10.00
Abstract: The history of science and philosophy is filled with great
thought experiments (gedankenexperimente). Examples include Galileo's
hole-in-the-earth, Newton's rotating bucket experiment, and Schrodinger's
cat. Over the past several centuries, thought experiments have had a
profound effect on the direction of science. However, implications for
teaching are generally neglected. Attend this workshop to learn how
thought experiments can be used to gain your student's attention, colorize dull
classroom discussions, and enliven hands-on activities. More importantly,
learn how the skill of thought experimentation can be developed and used by your
students! Workshop participants will sketch out a few simple lessons using
the bridging-analogies model and receive peer feedback. Related issues in
student learning and assessment will be discussed.
W2 MAKE and TAKE Physics
Friday morning, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Room B-104 Science Building
Jim Weidner, Tim Wright (Stevens Point Area Senior High School) weidner@coredcs.com;
tbwright@charter.net
Enrollment limit: 20 participants
Workshop fee: $27.00
Abstract: Participants will construct 6-9 different items to use
for demonstrations or in lab experiments. Each item is easy to build with
all materials, even some guidance, provided. PVC is a guarantee!
W3 A Physics Teacher's Guide to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Friday afternoon, 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Room B-112 Science Building
Joe Zoller (Lincoln High School, Manitowoc WI) E-mail: CycoPhizzix@Mac.com
Enrollment limit: 20 participants
Workshop fee: $10.00
Abstract: This workshop presentation represents a synthesis of
research in psychology and education. A program has been designed
specifically for physics teachers to aid in the analysis and development of a
quality curriculum, effective instructional strategies, and authentic
assessment. Any physics teacher who is interested in revitalizing his
daily lessons or just generally improving the caliber of his units of study
should consider participating in this workshop. Although the program was
designed with the high school physics teacher in mind, it is fully customizable
and could be adapted to other settings where physics is taught.
W4 The Hard Drive: An Experiment for Faraday's Law
Friday afternoon, 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Room B-104 Science Building
Brad Hinaus (University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point) E-mail: bhinaus@uwsp.edu
Enrollment limit: 24 participants
Workshop fee: $7.00
Abstract: Participate in an introductory lab designed to study
Faraday's Law using the computer hard drive as the focus. Store data on a
model, then read it using a solenoid and computer software.
W5 CANCELLED
W5 Astronomical Instruments in the Classroom
Saturday morning, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Room B-104 Science Building
Daniel Rislove (University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point) E-mail: drislove@uwsp.edu
Enrollment limit: 20 participants
Workshop fee: $7.00
Abstract: A number of classical astronomical instruments can
be constructed for classroom use at little or no cost. Participants will
be given functional versions of astrolabes, quadrants, sextants, nocturns, etc.,
and instructed on their use. Templates will also be provided so that these
instruments may be reproduced for classroom use.
W6 CANCELLED
W6 Project CLEA Astronomy Exercises
Saturday morning, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Room B-204 Science Building
Katie Jore (University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point) E-mail: kjore@uwsp.edu
Enrollment limit: 24 participants
Workshop fee: $7.00
Abstract: Introduction to Project CLEA exercises for use in
astronomy labs. Project CLEA software is free software suitable for
high-school or introductory college astronomy classes available from Gettysburg
College.
Commercial Workshop C1: Using
Interfaces and Sensors
to
do Science in the Physics Laboratory
Saturday morning, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Room B-112 Science Building
Tom Kuhn (PASCO Midwest Educational Representative) E-mail: kuhn@pasco.com
Enrollment limit: 24 participants
Level: Appropriate curriculum for high school and college physics
teachers.
Workshop fee: None. (Compliments of PASCO.)
Abstract: PASCO will hold a hands-on workshop that allows teachers
to do experiments in Mechanics, Optics, E&M and Waves using interfaces and
sensors. There will be a drawing for a 750 interface at the conclusion of
the workshop. Stations will be set up where attendees can do the following
experiments:
1. Measure g
2. Time of Flight
3. Stress/Strain
4. Conservation f Momentum
5. Conservation of Energy
6. Inverse Square Law of Light
7. Simple Pendulum
8. Centripetal Force
9. Simple Harmonic Motion
10. Waves on String
11. Induction
12. Speed of sound in Aluminum
13. Speed of sound in Air
14. Ring Launcher Demo
15. Diffraction