W1 “New Ideas for Teaching Physics: Part I”
Limited to 24 participants — 2 hours — Cost $5.00
If you are teaching physics for the first time or even if you are a veteran teacher, it is always good to look at new activities or renew ideas to inspire your students. Activities presented in this workshop will include methods for figuring physics, gaining just a little momentum, collisions, toying around with impulse and inverse square relationships. Each activity will be presented in a lesson cycle format, which can be easily transitioned into your classroom.
W2 “Physics Laboratory Measurements Workshop Based on LabVIEW and NI ELVIS”
Limited to 18 participants — 3 hours — Cost $2.00
This hands-on workshop will explore the blended approach of using National Instruments’ LabVIEW graphical programming language with computer-based data acquisition devices like the NI ELVIS, to explore modern experimental physics in demonstration experiments and student labs. Learn how LabVIEWcan be used to deliver a project-based approach to teaching physics; and how NI ELVIS with a suite of 12 instruments (oscilloscope, function generator, digital multimeter, power supply and more) integrated into a small form factor to provide a hands-on learning system. You will walk away from this workshop with a high-level understanding of LabVIEW’s application to physics for teaching and research, the basics of how LabVIEW and NI ELVIS work together, and working knowledge of using NI ELVIS soft front panels to make measurements.
W3 “5 Pre-Lab and Lab Activities for Newtonian Mechanics”
Limited to 24 participants — 2 hours — Cost $5.00
Key to success of a lab activity is the student’s prerequisite skills. This workshop focuses on 5 pre-lab white board activities with the corresponding lab activities in Newtonian mechanics utilizing the GMLAD. The activities will cover projectile motion; kinematics, Newton’s 2nd Law, Determination of Friction and its Coefficient, Conservation of Energy, Determination of the Spring Constant, and Conservation of Momentum in 2 Dimensions.
W4 “New Ideas for Teaching Physics: Part II”
Limited to 24 participants — 3 to 4 hours — Cost $5.00
Part II, the sequel, is designed to look at some physics topics that you might encounter during second semester. Some of the activities presented in this workshop will include a different look at methods for student involvement in demonstrating physics, vibrations and waves with earth applications, sound, resonance, and interference patterns.
W5 “Radiation and Health: A Workshop for Science Educators”
Limited to 20 participants — 3 hours — Cost $2.00
This workshop covers nuclear science and technology topics suitable for science teachers to use in grade 4–12 classes. Subjects included are Fundamentals of Radiation, Exposure to natural and man-made Radiation, Cellular Biology and Radiation Effects, Radioactive Waste Management, Health Physics and Radiation Physics, and Career possibilities in Nuclear Technology. Schools of participants will receive a working Geiger Counter. Workshop presenter is a TEA-approved CPE Provider.
W6 “Robotics Workshop for High School and College Instructors”
Limited to 18 participants — 3 hours — Cost $2.00
Twenty-first century learners need critical thinking and effective communications skills. Practicing higher level cognitive skills are fun and engaging for students and teachers using LEGO Robotics. Come delve into the latest robotics technology from LEGO Education. Participants will construct and program robots with the new Technic Building System and NXT-G programming software. Attendees will take back instructional strategies and ideas on how to implement robotics into their classroom, school or district. Come; connect, explore, learn, enhance and have fun.
W7 “NASA Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) Texas Regional Teaching Exchange”
Limited to 24 participants — 4 hours — Cost $5.00
The NASA CAE presents workshops on teaching Astro 101 classes. They emphasize research based best-practice techniques for interactive engagement. In this local CAE workshop I will spend some time covering the main techniques of interactive engagement as I practice them, and provide some materials to make it easier to adopt the methods in your classroom. Time will be put aside to allow participants to exchange their favorite ideas that improve the teaching of Astro 101.