The presentations, problems, and activities in these workshops are designed both for teachers just beginning to teach physics, and for experienced teachers wanting a physics refresher.
Physics is a subject that underpins much of modern society, but it is often avoided by students due to the perception that it is too difficult. This situation is not helped when teachers, who often specialize in other branches of science, are asked to teach physics but feel underprepared to do so.
The Physics and Geosciences Department at Angelo State University worked for many years with teachers through Texas Teacher Quality Grants to improve the content knowledge and pedagogy in the teaching of physics. With the support of Halliburton, we are again able to provide physics teacher training through the Education Service Centers in West Texas.
This workshop was a one-day online tour of several important topics in physics.
In the morning hours, the workshop focused on the two most important topics from mechanics: forces and energy. These were explored through problem solving and hands-on activities.
Next, the workshop covered two important concepts from E&M (Electricity and Magnetism): charge/electric forces and magnetic fields/forces. Again, these were explored by solving problems and performing laboratory activities.
Participants received a box of (thoroughly cleaned) supplies needed to complete the activities. These presentations, problems, and activities were designed both for teachers just beginning to teach physics, and for experienced teachers wanting a physics refresher.
This one-day workshop focused on several important topics in physics.
For the first half of the day, the focus of the workshop was on forces and energy, including a review of Newton’s Laws and Conservation of Energy. After a presentation, teachers participated in several hands-on activities to further their understanding.
In the second half of the day, the focus shifted to electricity and magnetism, including charge/electric forces, magnetic fields/forces, and a review of E&M laws. Again, participants solved problems in these areas and explored these topics with laboratory activities.
Participants were provided supplies to complete these activities that they were able to take with them to use in their classrooms.