Bulletin of the American Physical Society
2007 New England Section of the APS and AAPT Joint Fall Meeting
Volume 52, Number 17
Friday–Saturday, October 19–20, 2007; Storrs, Connecticut
Session F2: AAPT Contributed Session |
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Chair: Phillip Best, University of Connecticut Room: MSB PB-38 |
Saturday, October 20, 2007 10:00AM - 10:15AM |
F2.00001: Integrating Modern Physics into Introductory Physics Courses: An Evolutionary Approach Craig W. Looney Most introductory physics courses, following the lead of traditional textbooks, put off special relativity, quantum physics and other ``modern'' ideas until the end, or else neglect them entirely. On the other hand, revolutionary unified curricula (such as \textit{Matter and Interactions} by Chabay/Sherwood) may demand more change than many instructors or programs can readily manage. In this talk, I'll show how a ``traditional'' introductory course can, with relatively little effort, be connected from the outset to the modern picture of physics and the cosmos, and how that connection can be renewed and strengthened at strategic junctures scattered throughout the year. The barriers to trying this approach are relatively low, since it can be implemented in small steps over a number of years. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, October 20, 2007 10:15AM - 10:30AM |
F2.00002: When do magnetic forces do work? Jonathan Mitschele All of the introductory physics texts in my library tell me at some point that magnetic forces cannot do work, but about half go on to present examples in which it is claimed that magnetic forces can do work. One should not be surprised, therefore, if many of us are confused about what magnetic forces can and cannot do. I hope to provide clarity on this issue. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, October 20, 2007 10:30AM - 10:45AM |
F2.00003: A Scientific Look at Global Warming Peter Glanz Scientists like we should ask ``Where's the Beef?'' when a global warming discussion comes up. Current issues like melting glaciers, rising sea levels, disappearing polar bears and increasing tornado activity (among many) are put to the WTB test. [Preview Abstract] |
Saturday, October 20, 2007 10:45AM - 11:00AM |
F2.00004: A Solar Physics Course for Middle and High School Teachers Martina B. Arndt This summer, I taught a course on solar physics for in-service teachers. This course was geared toward middle and high school teachers who were looking for a new and exciting way to teach physics and earth science skills while still addressing content standards. We explored and created various classroom activities that incorporated the Sun, utilized solar data readily available online and made some observations of our own. We covered some of the physics involved in the Sun, investigated current topics in solar physics, and covered topics like solar eclipses, Sun spots and the solar cycle, the effect of the Sun on the Earth, light as a tool for doing science, and tools for observing the Sun. In this presentation, I will share some examples of activities - and how they addressed specific standards - as well as outcomes of the course. [Preview Abstract] |
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