Contemporary Physics for Teachers
July 13 - July 25, 2003
A two-credit lecture and laboratory course
designed specifically for high school physics teachers. Lectures will
be given by Dr. Monica Plisch and other Cornell faculty on topics including:
micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), the Standard Model, integrated
circuits, nanomagnets, and energy production and society. Hands-on activities
developed by Cornell scientists working with teachers will be presented
by teachers including Andy Telesca and Jim Overhiser. Lab activities
include: building a water analogy to electric circuits, observing subatomic
particles with a cloud chamber, exploring motion with a MEMS accelerometer,
and evaluating light bulb advertising claims. Activities are tied to
the NYS Physics Core Curriculum where possible.
Modern Mechanics for Teachers
July 27 - August 1, 2003
A one-credit lecture and laboratory course
designed specifically for high school physics teachers. Days will begin
with a lecture given by Dr. Monica Plisch and other Cornell faculty
on topics including: bio-mechanics, the world of micro-machines, and
modern investigations on gravitational force. Research lab tours and
performance of take-home lab activities will complete the morning schedule.
Afternoons will be a hands-on introduction to Modeling Instruction in
mechanics led by teacher Jane Conroe. The Modeling Instruction in High
School Physics program was developed at Arizona State University and
is recommended as an "Exemplary Science Program" by the U.S.
Department of Education.
