Physics modeling workshop for school technology infusion

June 26 – July 21
The University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI 48128

Goals

  1. To train teachers in the use of a model-centered, constructivist method of teaching and at the same time to improve their content knowledge in physics.
  2. To integrate computer courseware effectively into the physics curriculum.
  3. To establish electronic network support and a learning community among participants.
  4. To help participants to make better use of national resources for physics education.
  5. To strengthen local institutional support for participants as school leaders in disseminating standards-based reform in science education.

Features

Overview

The workshop is a course on methods of physics teaching that thoroughly addresses all aspects of high school physics teaching, including the integration of teaching methods with course content as it should be done in the high school classroom.

Participants will be introduced to the Modeling Method as a systematic approach to the design of curriculum and instruction.  They will be instructed on computer hardware and software selection, techniques for laboratory data collection and analysis, and internet use to help them become experts on the best uses of technology in education.

They will also be given techniques to deliver in-service training and help in strengthening local teacher alliances, like the Detroit Metropolitan Association of Physics Teachers.

Description

Content of the first semester of high school physics (mechanics) is reorganized around five basic models to increase its structural coherence.

  1. Free particle model: Objects in linear, uniform motion subject to no net force (see overview).
  2. Constant force particle model: Objects in linear or parabolic, uniformly accelerated motion subject to a constant net force.
  3. Central force particle model: Objects in elliptical or circular motion subject to force with at least one centripetal component.
  4. Linear binding force particle model: Objects in periodic oscillation subject to force proportional to its displacement.
  5. Impulsive force particle model: Objects in linear, uniform motion colliding with other objects.

Participants are supplied with a set of course materials and work through all the activities (see tentative agenda) alternately in the roles of student and teacher.

 

Details

The workshop will be held on the campus of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Monday – Friday, June 26 – July 21, 2000 (except for July 3 and 4). There will also be sessions on two Saturdays in Fall, 2000. Sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Travel expenses will be covered.

Participants will be enrolled in Physics 501, Modeling Methods for Teachers: Mechanics, which carries four graduate credit hours. Registration and tuition charges will be paid.

Principal workshop leader will be Mark Davids, a high school teacher who has been trained in and has extensively used the modeling method of instruction.

Near the beginning of the fall semester, the workshop leaders will visit some participants’ classrooms to assist with problems that teachers normally encounter when trying to implement new teaching methods.

The school district of each participant will be asked to (1) set aside local Eisenhower funds for a substitute for one day in fall semester to enable the teacher to visit workshop leaders’ classrooms to observe their instruction. (2) set aside up to $500 in Eisenhower funds for either or both of the following uses: laboratory equipment, instructional materials, and/or technology to be purchased at the direction of the participant to implement the modeling method, or reimbursement for workshop expenses not budgeted by the grant.

If you wish to participate, please fill in the Registration Form, download and print the letter to your school administrator. Download the cooperative agreement form, print it, have it signed by the administrator and return.

Registration Form

Name   Date

Home street

City State Zip

Home Phone ()   e-mail address

School name School phone ()

Your highest degree Major

University Year

Bachelors degree major

University Year

How many years have you taught physics? How many years have you taught school?

About how many students does your high school have?

About how many students are taking a physics course from you this year?

What level of physics courses are you teaching this year? (Fill in the number of sections at each level.)

regular , honors , conceptual/practical , A.P. , other 2nd year physics

The University of Michigan-Dearborn
Professor Paul W. Zitzewitz
Department of Natural Sciences
4901 Evergreen Rd.
Dearborn, MI 48128
Phone (313) 593-5277
Fax (313) 593-4937
e-mail pwz@umich.edu

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