We look forward to seeing you at our Fall 2013 Section conference. Below is the complete program. Continue reading “Detailed program for November 2013 Conference at Carondelet High School”
Program for November 15-16 2013 conference at Carondelet HS
The program for our Fall 2013 section conference is now available in PDF format. We should have a web page version up shortly, but here’s the PDF in the mean-time.
Map of locations:
View NCN AAPT at Carondelet High School in a larger map with key to locations.
Don’t forget, registration is encouraged (helps us plan for how many will attend), but not mandatory. Register here.
Spring 2013 Conference Group Photo
Here is a copy that will print out nicely as a 4″ x 6″ photo (click the photo to get the print size):
Accelerometers and Great America: Here’s your ‘permission slip’
Last year, after more than a decade of bringing students (and their accelerometers) to Great America, Phillip Becker of Saint Helena High School was shocked to be informed by park staff that students would not be allowed to bring their accelerometers on the rides. Disappointment ruled the day, but his students made the best of it. Upon returning to school, Mr. Becker typed out a to-the-point letter to Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (the parent company for Great America), expressing his outrage at this change in policy. Shortly thereafter, Cedar Fair Entertainment replied, with a letter notifying him that there had been no change in policy, and apologizing for the mistake by the local park staff/management.
If you are planning on attending a Physics/Math day at Great America, you may want to print out a copy of the letter from Cedar Fair and carry it with you to the park, just in case this year’s staff/management makes a similar mistake.
Spring 2013 Morning Invited Talks
Invited Talk: “Changes in the Teaching of Introductory Physics at Stanford” Chaya Nanavati or Stanford University
Chaya di
scussed the existing structure that has an instructor that leads lectures and has Head TAs, Discussion TAs and Lab TAs that assist the smaller groups. Often we encounter several barriers to change: Administration or Colleagues are often resistant to change and need convincing, materials and time are necessary for change. She suggests using the already developed resources from Maryland University, Harvard, CU Boulder, etc. on group work and student-centered learning. Eric Mazur has lots of resources and evidence that interactive engagement increases the post-test gain on the Force Concept Inventory test. Continue reading “Spring 2013 Morning Invited Talks”