Commercial Workshops
Commercial Workshops offer attendees the opportunity to explore innovative products, technologies, and teaching solutions from AAPT exhibitors. These sessions are open to all Summer Meeting attendees and do not require advance registration.
Engaging Students with Active Learning and AI Tools on the Kudu Platform
Presented by KUDU
Recent education research conducted at UCLA shows that AI tools combined with active learning improve outcomes in undergraduate STEM courses. This workshop reviews the evidence and implementation in university and AI-focused high school courses offered on the Kudu platform.
A curated AI chat assistant and AI-generated hints are embedded in homework on the Kudu platform, which also hosts the active-learning components, lowering the time, effort, and social cost of seeking help. A peer-reviewed study (Y. Lu et al., PRPER 21, 010160 (2025)) found that all students benefit, with the largest gains for those with weaker preparation. These results motivated UCLA's AI and Mathematical Skills (AIMS) program. Similar methodology is adapted at other institutions.
The session reviews the research, describes implementation on Kudu, and includes a live demonstration of the tools. Support will be available for workshop participants interested in piloting these tools.
When: Monday, July 20 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Location: Ballroom C
A Discussion on the Future of Physics Course Materials: Rewritten OER, Editable eBooks, and AI-Driven Instructor Insights
Presented by The Expert TA
Panelists will discuss the future of physics course materials, starting with Expert TA's rewritten and enhanced version of OpenStax University Physics. We will explore the improvements made to clarity, consistency, notation, visuals, example problem structure, and conceptual development.
Attendees will see Expert TA's eBook editor and learn how they can easily customize the text, add their own materials, and distribute course-specific versions to students. Attendees will receive a complimentary semester of access to the eBook editor for use in their own courses.
The discussion will then turn to using AI in the classroom and best practices. We will also show the new AI tools within our homework and textbook environments. Topics will include Socratic-style student support, instructor-facing insights into student engagement, common questions, and areas of struggle. The discussion will conclude with a preview of additional new updates and enhancements designed to build on these tools.
When: Monday, July 20 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Ballroom C
Maximize Your Mechanics Labs with the PASCO Smart Cart
Presented by PASCO
Join this hands-on session to learn how to perform multiple mechanics labs and demonstrations using the PASCO Smart Cart and minimal equipment. See how the cart and its built-in sensors streamline experiment setup, ensuring students collect reliable data efficiently. We will also explore extending the Smart Cart's capabilities with accessories like the fan and motor.
When: Monday, July 20 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Ballroom C
Rotational Kinematics and Dynamics: From Centripetal Force to Angular Momentum
Presented by Vernier Science Education
Introduce students to rotational motion through hands-on experiments focused on centripetal force, moment of inertia, conservation of angular momentum, and Newton's second law for rotation. Using Vernier equipment, including the Go Direct® Centripetal Force System and Go Direct Rotary Motion Sensor, participants will collect and analyze real-time data with the Vernier Graphical Analysis® Pro app while exploring practical approaches for teaching rotational kinematics and dynamics in college and high school physics courses. Attendees will receive a code for two months of access to Graphical Analysis Pro.
When: Tuesday, July 21 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Ballroom C
Photogate Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices for Physics Labs
Presented by Vernier Science Education
Photogates are one of the most familiar tools in the college and high school physics lab, and they're also one of the most versatile. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore advanced ways to use both Go Direct® Photogates (double gates) and Vernier Photogates (single gates) to investigate motion, timing, speed, and acceleration.
Learn how to configure photogates in Vernier Graphical Analysis® Pro for accurate, efficient data collection, avoid common setup pitfalls, and choose the right mode for each experiment. We'll also demonstrate how to create custom templates that streamline setup for students and maximize lab time. Attendees will receive a two-month access code for Graphical Analysis Pro.
When: Tuesday, July 21 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Ballroom C
 |