Methods of Teaching Physics 2011

Putnam-Westchester Industry & Science Teacher Alliance

Methods of Teaching Physics Summer 2011

Presented by Howard Myers and Mark Scinta

Veteran AP Physics , Honors Physics, and Regents Physics Instructor, Ossining High School, Ossining , NY

Howard Myers has been selected teacher-of-the-year at Ossining HS three times during
his teaching career and was one of five finalists in the IBM Education Fellows Award
Program. Howard was awarded a United States Fulbright Teacher Exchange and taught a
year in England. He is a PTE (Pasco Technology Educator) for the PASCO Scientific
Equipment company.

Mark Scinta has been teaching for 18 years. For 15 years, Mark has taught Regents physics at Ossining High School. He has also taught AP Physics for 6 years. During this time, Mark has developed numerous engaging demonstrations and labs. The project based learning approach has also been incorporated into many units. Mark is also the advisor for the engineering club whose projects have included an electric car, t-shirt launcher, water rockets and balloon launcher.

During this four day workshop participants will be actively involved in preparing lessons for the following school year. All topics from the new state syllabus will be covered. Each day will be divided into 4 distinct sessions.

Demonstrations – The instructor will share his favorite demonstrations that are guaranteed to generate interest and enthusiasm in all students. At the end of the week, all experienced teachers will be asked to share one demonstration that they use and have found to be most successful.

The Web – Interesting web sites will be explored and shared among the participants. The teachers will learn how to use the Internet to find and use Physics applets in the classroom. All teachers will compile a list of tested simulations and interactive labs, which can be used free on the Internet.

Labs – Each afternoon will be devoted to lab activities. Participants will perform labs using Jell-O and two by fours on the low tech end of the spectrum and a full range of PASCO equipment at the nearly state of the art end. The Ossining HS physics classroom has 12 computers each with a computer interface and a set of sensors. The labs are designed to have students use real life experiences and science inquiry skills to solve open-ended questions. Teachers will write up one lab activity and share it with the class by the end of the week.

Teaching strategies and tips – This part of the daily ritual will include but not be limited to videos, homework, projects, worksheets, tests, PowerPoint presentations, objectives, dry erase boards, ordering equipment and supplies, magic, and cartoons.

Whether this is your first year teaching, or you are an experienced science teacher planning on getting certified in a second area, or you are an experienced physics teacher looking for a few new tricks to liven up your lessons, this is the workshop for you.

Date: June 27^th - June 30^th , 2011.

Time : 8:00 AM-3:30 PM

Cost: $595.00

Place: Science Wing, Ossining High School, Ossining, New York

Place: Science Wing, Ossining High School, 29 South Highland Avenue, Ossining , New York

Sponsored by: PWISTA

Credit : A 30-hour certificate toward in-service credit will be issued for use according to your school district’s policy.

Sample Curriculum

For college credit information link

Directions to Ossining HS

MAP

Lodging