FALL 2007 TSAAPT WORKSHOPS

“How to Survive Your First Five Years of Teaching Physics”
(Heldenfels Room 219, 3:30-5:30 pm)
presented by Carolyn Schoeder, Texas A&M University, Texas Regional Collaborative; Debbie Walker, Montgomery High School; and Holly Duncan, Region 9 Education Service Center

We have learned a lot about how to not only survive teaching Physics, but how to enjoy each day.  3 teachers with over 60 combined years of teaching experience share their personal experiences, organizational tips, best teaching strategies, and favorite hands-on activities.  There really are ways to do things that make life easier – join us for workshop filled with fun, friendship, and Physics. 1st tip is to always go to a workshop that has a make-and-take. (Yes, we will do some make-and-takes.)
Limited to 30 participants – 2 hours – Cost $2.00

“Using PhET Simulations in Your Physics Class”
(Heldenfels Room 217, 3:30-5:30 pm)
presented by Tom O’Kuma and Regina Barrera, Lee College; and Paul Williams, Austin Community College.

The Physics Educational Technologies (PhET) project has provided some incredible simulations that can be used in a variety of ways in the high school and college physics classes.  This workshop will give the participants a chance to explore some of these simulations, see how they can be used in the classroom or through a website, and how to develop your own uses for the PhET simulations.  Some materials will be provided.
Limited to 20 participants – 2 hours – Cost $2.00

“Quintessential Quarknet”
(Heldenfels Room 219, 10:40am-12:40pm)
presented by Evelyn Restivo, Maypearl High School.

The QuarkNet Fellows have determined that “SCIENCE IS A PATHWAY, NOT A DESTINATION.”  The pursuit of science is a collaboration that transcends all sociological boundaries where discoveries are validated by consensus.  The QQ workshop will provide information that will identify questions, which will be addressed by the LHC and share activities that are being developed specifically for teaching the physics of the LHC.
Limited to 25 participants – 1.5 hours – Cost $7.00

“Radiation and Health”
(Heldenfels Room 208, 10:40am-12:40pm)
presented by Albert E. Evans, Chairman, STW Committee, South Texas Chapter of the Health Physics Society

This is a shortened version of the Science Teachers’ Workshop offered free of charge to primary and secondary teachers at a location of their choice, covering fundamentals of nuclear radiation, natural and man-made sources of radiation, biological effects and risks to health, radioactive waste management, and radiation safety management and regulation. The course includes a hands-on demonstration of use of Geiger Counters, which are given without cost to participants for use in their classes. A CD and notebook of  class material are issued to each student.  Lunch will be provided.
Limited to 30 participants – 4 hours – Cost $2.00

“What’s Up There?  Well, it’s not Superman!”
(Heldenfels Room 220, 12:40pm-2:40pm)
presented by Trina Cannon, Highland Park High School

Projectiles are interesting and often give reason to go to the big field outdoors. But too frequently, a well planned lesson turns to chaos with students scattering and the rockets lost in the brush because no one watched it come down.  Here are some inside lessons that get good results, no lost materials and students stay contained for the critical instruction.  This is a great preliminary to the outside experience.  This is suitable for all grades interested in projectile motion and the control of variables.
Limited to 24 participants – 3 hours – Cost $10.00