Summer 2025 Workshop Descriptions

Workshop Time: AM = 8-12;     PM = 1-5;    All = 8-5 (with one hour lunch on your own)

Teaching Strategies that Work: FTI Workshop for Educators

Facilitators: Rachel Ivie, MacKenzie Stetzer , W. Tali Hairston Time: SAT-All

Description: Looking for ways to help your students to improve their problem solving skills? We have all felt the frustration that comes from modeling how to solve problems in class, only to have students demonstrate during office hours, on homework questions, and on exams that they failed to improve their problem solving abilities. In this full-day workshop led by facilitators from the AAPT/APS/AAS Physics and Astronomy Faculty Teaching Institute (FTI), participants will learn principles of teaching and learning to guide teaching choices, gain access to valuable resources, and get support to plan a feasible classroom change that will improve learning for all students. Come learn a variety of effective teaching practices such as how to effectively facilitate whole-class and small-group discussions, implement

in-class voting, tutorials, ranking tasks, and other active-learning curricula, and how to motivate students’ understanding of the role of science in society. We have specifically designed the workshop to provide a safe and supportive environment that leverages your existing expertise, fosters open discourse, and promotes reflection on your identities, beliefs, and local context.

Offsite

Learn Physics While Practicing Science: Introduction to ISLE

Facilitators: David Brookes, Eugenia Etkina ,Yuhfen Lin , Yuehai Yang, Joshua Rutberg Time: SAT-All

Description: Participants* will learn how to modify introductory physics courses at any level to help students develop a good conceptual foundation, apply this knowledge in problem solving, and engage them in science practices. The framework for these modifications is the Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE) approach. We provide tested curriculum materials including: (a) The second edition of College Physics Textbook by Etkina, Planinsic and Van Heuvelen, the Physics Active Learning Guide and the Instructor Guide; (b) a website with over 200 videotaped experiments and questions for use in the classroom, laboratories, and homework; (c) a set of innovative labs in which students design their own experiments, and (d) newly developed curriculum materials that implement the ISLE approach in both online and in-person settings. During the workshop the participants will learn how to use the materials in college and high school physics courses to help their students learn physics by practicing it.

*Please bring your own laptop to the workshop if you own one. If you do not own a computer, you will be paired with somebody who does.

Lunch on your own: 12-1PM

Graphical Methods for Problem Solving in Kinematics, Forces & Circuits

Facilitators: Michael Lerner, Kelly O'Shea Time: SAT-AM

Description: Few students can use equations as a sensemaking tool. Multiple representations help build conceptual understanding and give students greater access to making sense of physical situations. But how can we connect student problem solving to their conceptual understanding of the topics—giving more students access to finding success in our classes? We will explore graphs and diagrams as

sense-making tools that allow students to make their own situation-specific calculations for each scenario in addition to visualizing the concepts involved. Specifically, we will use slopes and areas on velocity-time graphs for kinematics, force vector addition diagrams for dynamics, and voltage-position graphs for electric circuits to show how challenging problems can be solved using graphical methods. Although we hope that this workshop will be interesting to a wide audience, our target audience is high school teachers of all levels. (These tools provide a more robust understanding and skill set for all students—from those who have typically struggled with traditional problem solving to the top students in our classes.) Bring a calculator and a pencil; you will be using these techniques during the workshop.

Authentic Astronomy Data Analysis and Research with js9

Facilitators: Pamela Perry Time: SAT-AM

Description: Js9 web-based software allows the display and analysis of authentic astronomical data archived from observatories in all bands of the EMS. Js9 includes tools such as light curves, energy spectra, and more. In this workshop, you will be introduced to the js9 interface and tools by working through a series of activities such as x-ray spectroscopy of type 1a and type 2 supernova remnants, determining the source of ultra- and hyperluminous x-ray objects in colliding galaxies, using light curves to determine if an object could be a white dwarf or neutron star and the expansion rate of SNR. We will also demonstrate how users can find FITS files and upload them to use the tools they have learned to conduct their own research projects. Participants should bring laptops. Participants will be reimbursed for the cost of the workshop. Appropriate for instructors of Physics/Astronomy from grade 9 up.

Hands-on Particle Physics and Engagement Strategies

Facilitators: Chad Ronish Time: SAT-PM

Description: Do you know where the quiet kid is in your classroom? Do you have a student who seems to do all the work in their group? In this workshop you will experience student engagement strategies will help you reach all of your students with every activity. Concepts like Particle Physics, Dark Matter and Neutrinos will be experienced through student-driven, hands-on activities that you can adapt and apply to your entire curriculum. K-12 Science Teachers

Quantum Computing: What’s the Buzz?

Facilitators: Beth Thacker Time: SAT-PM

Description: Are you interested in learning more about Quantum Computing? Have you been asked to teach it or introduce some of the concepts into courses you are already teaching? What’s the state of the field anyway? Do you want to be more informed about this fascinating, relatively new field? Should it be taught in Physics or Computer Science or Chemistry or Math or all of them!?

If you find yourself interested in these questions, this workshop is for you. We will give an overview of the present state of the field, present a working introduction to Quantum Computing, taking you through some of the basic introductory concepts, introducing you to our mini-tutorials and exercises we do in class, as well as discussing our experiences learning and and teaching the topics, course coverage, format and learning materials, research we have done on students’ strengths and difficulties, and the development of evidence-based materials to teach the course. We will share information on freely available online resources, our own evidence-based materials, and possible texts. We will focus on an undergraduate course, but it will be relevant for classes above and below that level, too.

Offsite

Intermediate and Advanced Labs workshop

Facilitators: Nathan Powers, L Dana, Nathan Tompkins Time: SAT-PM

Description: This workshop is appropriate for college and university instructional laboratory developers. At each of five stations, presenters will demonstrate an approach to an intermediate or advanced laboratory exercise. Each presenter will show and discuss the apparatus and techniques used.

Attendees will cycle through the stations and have an opportunity to use each apparatus. Documentation will be provided for each experiment, with sample data, equipment lists, and construction or purchase information.

Improving Access & Anti-Ableist Practices in Physics Courses

Facilitators: Daryl McPadden, Erin Scanlon, Matt Guthrie, Xian Wu, Theo Bott Time: SUN-All

Description: In this workshop, we will explore disability language and models, with a focus on disability in STEM & academia. Using tools like the Variation Planning Tool and Universal Design for Learning, activities will focus on thinking critically about how to build flexibility and accessibility into a physics course. Our three primary goals for workshop attendees are: 1) to gain familiarity with language and discourse on disability, 2) to think critically about access for your particular course on a holistic level, and

3) to leave the workshop with a tangible action plan to improve access in your course. There will be a variety of activity types in the workshop, including presentations, a panel with disabled physics students, small group activities, and individual reflections. This workshop is appropriate for high school teachers, postsecondary instructors, and students with an interest in teaching. Please bring your own computer to use during the workshop, with access to some of your own teaching materials (e.g. syllabus, worksheets, slides, homework assignments). Lunch: 12PM-1PM

Physics Investigations using Sensors in Smartphones

Facilitators: David Rakestraw, Dan Burns Time: SUN-AM

Description: This hands-on workshop offers participants the opportunity to explore a variety of physics concepts through engaging activities suitable for both high school and introductory university physics courses. By leveraging the advanced sensors integrated into smartphones, participants will experience over 100 powerful experiments spanning topics in mechanics and electromagnetism. Each participant will receive a kit that, when paired with their smartphone, enables students to conduct a remarkable number of investigations.

Throughout the workshop, attendees will perform select experiments using smartphone sensors, such as the accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, pressure transducer, microphone, camera, microwave antenna, and display. These experiments will showcase the wide range of applications made possible by the technology in their phones. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop, as they will use spreadsheets for data analysis during the session.

PICUP Workshop A: Integrating Computation into Introductory Physics

Facilitators: Walter Freeman, Larry Engelhardt, Todd Zimmerman Time: SUN-AM

Description: In this workshop, we will show you some ways in which computation can be integrated into your introductory courses. The PICUP partnership has developed a variety of computational activities for introductory physics, and we will show you how you can take these PICUP materials and adapt them to fit your needs. This workshop will focus on the actual implementation of computational physics in the classroom; attendees will work on several exercises in a similar way that students might do so. These will use spreadsheets and browser-based Trinkets, so attendees will not need any software installed, but will need to bring their own laptop computer. Attendees do not need any prior experience with computer programming or computational physics.

Participants are invited to also register for PICUP Workshop B, titled "Integrating Computation at the Curricular Level", which will involve a more indepth exploration of curriculum design, integration across courses, and assessment involving computation.

PICUP will provide a partial reimbursement of $40 of the workshop registration fee to those who attend and complete this workshop.

This workshop is supported by NSF grant number 2337049.

Understanding quantum computing using an augmented reality App

Facilitators: Michele McColgan Time: SUN-AM

Description: 2025 is the year of quantum science and technology and this workshop is designed to give teachers tools to explore these concepts with their students. Participants will be introduced to a MARVLS smartphone App that includes augmented reality models on the topic of quantum computing. Participants will also be introduced to additional augmented reality apps available on the Apple Store and Google Play Stores that students can engage with to support their learning about 3D and abstract concepts in physics.

Participants will download the Quantum Computing App from the App Store or Google Play Store. Each participant will receive an target cube to view the 3D AR models with their smartphones. Participants will also be given a set of lessons to accompany the AR models in the App. We will work through the lessons so participants understand how to use the App and lessons in class and understand the quantum computing concepts and other topics such as electric and magnetic fields covered by the Apps.

Bridging Classical and Quantum Realms Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Facilitators: Merideth Frey Time: SUN-AM

Description: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can bridge the classical and quantum realms and is underutilized in the undergraduate science curriculum. We have developed a set of curricular materials to cover the theory, practice, and applications of NMR in a truly multidisciplinary way as well as have the flexibility for use in a variety of different courses, classroom environments, and institutions. In this workshop, attendees will experience firsthand some of the developed class activities, learn about our research findings assessing implementations of these modules, and finally discuss how these modules may be implemented into coursework at their home institution. A laptop will be helpful to access the full set of online materials being discussed.

200+ Physics Simulations to Inspire Classroom Engagement

Facilitators: Andrew Duffy, Manher Jariwala Time: SUN-AM

Description: In this workshop, participants will explore more than 200 physics simulations, learn about research-based best practices for their use, and create activities for their own classrooms. The VIPER physics simulations (http://physics.bu.edu/~duffy/VIPER/) and best practices shared in this workshop are for introductory physics and astronomy at both the college and high school levels. The majority of the time spent in this workshop will be in creating new activities, providing opportunities for participants to share in small groups, elicit feedback from each other, and work through a multi-step design process.

Existing activities created by our Boston University PER group and others will be shared as examples and models for the developed work. As the goal of this workshop is for participants to walk away with completed activities for their own classroom, we ask that everyone please bring a laptop to the workshop. The Visualizations in Physics Education Research (VIPER) project is supported by NSF DUE-2120980 and DUE-1712159.

PIRA Lecture Demonstrations

Facilitators: Daniel Davis, Sam Sampere, Michele Lau, Dale Stille Time: SUN-AM

Description: During this ½ day workshop, we will introduce you to the Physics Instructional Resource Association (PIRA) and the PIRA 200. Almost every demonstration one can think of has a catalog number within the Demonstration Classification System (DCS); we will introduce you to this system and the comprehensive bibliography that details journal articles and demonstration manuals for construction and use in the classroom. The PIRA 200 are the specific 200 most important and necessary demonstrations needed to teach an introductory physics course.

We will also show a subset of approximately 50 demonstrations explaining use, construction, acquisition of materials, and answer any questions in this highly interactive and dynamic environment. Ideas for organizing and building your demonstration collection will be presented. We especially invite high school physics teachers and faculty members teaching introductory physics to attend.

NOTE that this is a paperless workshop. All information and materials will be distributed on a USB thumb drive (if requested) or other method. A computer, tablet, or other device capable of viewing and/or recording the workshop will be needed.

Offsite

Surface Mount Electronics How-To (Design with KiCAD)

Facilitators: Eric Ayars Time: SUN-AM

Description: This workshop will give participants a guided opportunity to design their own circuitboard using the open-source KiCad package. It will cover how to make a schematic, how to turn the schematic into a board layout, and creation of Gerber files to turn the design into a physical device. It is intended to be taken with the “Surface Mount How-To (Techniques for building)” workshop, but can be taken by itself if desired.

AI in Support of Physics Labs

Facilitators: David Rakestraw, Dan Burns Time: SUN-PM

Description: In this workshop participants will conduct a series of simple experiments and then use natural language prompts with AI tools to perform computational analysis on their data. Participants will conduct statistical analysis of large data sets, perform coordinate transformations on GPS data, fit periodic data to simple harmonic oscillator models, transform time domain measurements to the frequency domain, and conduct other complex data analysis tasks that have historically required computer programming skills. Participants will need a smartphone to collect data, a computer to conduct analysis, and potentially a $20 license to one of the leading foundation AI models depending on changes in capabilities at the time of the workshop.

PICUP Workshop B: Integrating Computation at the Curricular Level

Facilitators: Andy Gavrin, Gautam Vemuri Time: SUN-PM

Description: In this workshop, we will focus on how computation “fits” into the undergraduate curriculum. We will begin with a practical “how to” on incorporating computational exercises in a variety of courses. We will provide working code samples for a range of assignments and projects but will not focus on coding during the workshop. We will discuss and help participants develop student learning goals at the department level, and assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum. We will also consider how to assure coverage of the goals across the curriculum and consider the curriculum for an “introduction to computational methods” class intended to establish a “baseline” capability in computation that faculty in other courses can rely upon. No prior programming experience is needed. We will provide resources in multiple formats including excel spreadsheets, MATLAB, and Python. This workshop is supported by the NSF, grant DUE-2021209.

Participants are also invited to also register for PICUP Workshop A, titled “Integrating Computation into Introductory Physics,” though attending either session is not necessary for the other. Workshop A will focus on “hands-on” efforts to work through introductory level exercises as a student would.

Introductory Labs to Promote Scientific Reasoning

Facilitators: Kathleen Koenig, Krista Wood, Lei Bao Time: SUN-PM

Description: Scientific reasoning and decision-making abilities are highly sought educational outcomes, particularly in a time characterized by rapid technological advancements and complex global challenges. Using a curricular framework that integrates research in scientific and causal reasoning, we developed and evaluated a comprehensive inquiry-based lab curriculum that explicitly promotes these abilities by engaging students in activities that include designing and conducting controlled experiments, analyzing data, modeling, and synthesizing results to construct meaningful evidence-based claims. The curriculum aligns with the AAPT Lab Guidelines and cultivates an inclusive culture to support a diverse population. In this workshop, participants will engage with several lab activities, gaining insight into the curricular framework that emphasizes key sub-skills such as controlling variables in multi-variable contexts, data analytics, and causal reasoning. Participants will learn how assessments can be used to measure important scientific reasoning skills-based outcomes, and our own results will be shared. Participants will be provided access to all lab materials (both in-person and online versions) and assessments and will learn strategies to adapt their existing labs to fit these approaches.

Computer Science Integration in HS Physics and Physical Science

Facilitators: Chris Orban Time: SUN-PM

Description: Ever wondered how to integrate a little bit of coding or data science into a high school physics or physical science class without overwhelming your students or taking up lots of class time? This hands-on workshop will provide an overview of simple, conceptually-motivated “STEMcoding” exercises where students construct PhET-like games like asteroids and angry birds using an in-browser editor that works great on chromebooks or whatever devices you have. We will also provide a tutorial of the STEMcoding Object Tracker which is a browser-based program that can track the motion of brightly