eNNOUNCER September 2025
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AAPT News
Upcoming vote on changes to the AAPT Bylaws
As required by the AAPT Bylaws, the AAPT board announces several proposed changes to the Association’s Bylaws. These changes are:
The changes to the Bylaws are shown in red in this document. If you have any questions or comments about these changes, please email AAPT Secretary Bruce Mason at secretary@aapt.org.
Summer Meeting Highlights
In this rapidly changing scientific environment for AAPT, our community, and the federal agencies with which we interact. Washington, D.C. was the perfect place to gather. Understandably, physics educators are concerned on many levels, both professional and personal. Board members and meeting attendees were able to schedule visits with representatives and agencies to voice those concerns and lobby for support of science and education.
The 2025 AAPT Summer Meeting took place at the Grand Hyatt Washington, centrally located in the heart of the nation's capital, close to historic and cultural attractions, and world-class dining, Washington, D.C. offered a dynamic setting for professional learning and exploration. Read more.
AAPT 2026 Winter Meeting
Save the Date: 2026 AAPT Winter Meeting in Las Vegas, January 17–19, 2026
Make plans now to join us in Las Vegas for the 2026 AAPT Winter Meeting. This year’s program introduces a streamlined, three-day schedule that begins on Saturday, January 17, and concludes on Monday, January 19. The condensed format is designed to give you the best of the Winter Meeting experience while making the most of your time—three days packed with plenary talks, networking, and opportunities to share your work.
Call for Presentations
Abstract submissions are now being accepted, with a deadline of Friday, September 12, 2025. Poster submissions are due by Monday, November 3, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to present and be part of the conversation shaping physics education.
Housing and registration will open in September. Watch for the official announcement and be ready to secure your accommodations and register early to take advantage of the best rates.
Meeting at a Glance:
We’re excited to share a first look at the 2026 Winter Meeting schedule! Stay tuned for more updates as we finalize the details.An important message from AAPT leadership
We all recognize that this is a rapidly changing environment for AAPT, our community, and the federal agencies we interact with. It is unclear what the final outcomes may include, but many professional societies in science and education, including AAPT, are monitoring the situation. We are grappling with information about the situation as it comes in. Understandably, you are likely to be quite concerned on many levels, both professional and personal.
During volatile times, coming together becomes ever more important, collectively working towards positive steps forward. This is a time to foster our community, so no one stands alone. This is a time when the educational community matters more than ever, especially within the group engaged in the teaching and learning of Physics. AAPT is, fundamentally, a community - one that has always aimed to, and always will aim to, support its members and our shared mission. Let us know how we can help you as AAPT members - whether that consists of sharing information gleaned from our network of professional societies, asynchronous topical discussion on the COMMUNITIES site, a topical AAPT coffee hour, or some other means of collectively finding our way forward.
Submit your suggestions here about how AAPT can help you.
Read the statement from the AAPT Board of Directors affirming AAPT's values.
AAPT Joins Coalition Filing Suit Challenging DOGE Attack on Congressionally-Approved STEM Programs
A coalition of organizations representing educators and researchers has filed a legal challenge to the recent mass termination of grants by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The coalition of plaintiffs includes the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), Women in Engineering ProActive Network (WEPAN), American Educational Research Association (AERA), American Association of University Professors (AAUP), and United Auto Workers (UAW) (which represents graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty and university staff working on campuses). The coalition is represented in the matter by Democracy Forward and the Norton Law Firm. A hearing has been scheduled at the US District Court in Washington, DC, for August 7, 2025, at 1 pm. The hearing is open to the public. Read more here. More information will be available on AAPT COMMUNITIES.
2025 AAPT Board of Directors Election
The election of officers for the AAPT Board of Directors will begin in September. All members are eligible to vote. Current members with a paid through date greater than or equal to 7/31/2025 will receive instructions in mid-September through email or, if no email is on file, through the mail to help you vote electronically. Be sure your email address and membership are current so you can participate. Click here to learn more about the candidates.
Congratulations to the winners of the Frederick and Florence Bauder Awards
The Frederick and Florence Bauder Endowment for the Support of Physics Teaching (Bauder Fund) was established to support special activities in the area of physics teaching.
The Bauder Fund Committee met at the summer meeting and awarded three projects:
Access the AAPT COMMUNITIES platform on Tradewing's new App!
You can find instructions on how to download and install the new app here.
Call for papers: AJP Special issue on motivating physics learning through research applications
AJP invites physics researchers to show how undergraduate physics is used in their area of research. Our goal is to provide compelling examples that instructors can teach in class or turn into exercises for students. Brief contributions are especially encouraged. Submissions should be completed by December 31, 2025, for publication in a special issue to appear in Fall 2026. For more information about the special issue, see the call for papers or email Beth Parks, AJP Editor, ajp-edoffice@aip.org. For general information about the journal and preparing contributions, see our webpage, and read current and past issues here.
AAPT list of Physics Department Reviewers
AAPT is in the process of updating our list of Physics Department Reviewers. If you would like to be part of our department reviewer list, then please complete the form and upload your CV.
Information collected in this form will be shared with departments that contact AAPT requesting the list of potential reviewers. Your information will be reviewed before you are added to the list. AAPT will regularly update the list of departmental reviewers.
You must be an AAPT member to be on the list of reviewers.
Contact Julie McIntyre with any questions at jmcintyre@aapt.org.
AAPT joins other STEM professional societies supporting U.S. researchers, educators, and academics
"Scientific truths are nonpartisan. It has never been more important to recommit to scientific knowledge, and to ensure you have access to data, are free from censorship, and are able to do your valuable work.
We are committed to working every day to ensure that the researchers who have devoted their lives to discovery and truth can safely continue working to improve lives and benefit society."
Read the full message here.
Nominate Yourself to Become a Member of an Area Committee!
The National Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for all Area Committee. As an Area Committee member you will play a crucial role in helping your Area Committee actively work on their respective missions. All AAPT members are eligible to serve on an Area Committee. Go directly to the Nomination Form or email nominations@aapt.org.
We want your input for enhancing collaborations
The leadership of the American Physical Society (APS) and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) recently formed a Task Force to explore ways that AAPT and APS can enhance collaborations, building on the success of Physics Teacher Education Collation, STEP UP, and other projects. The Task Force is seeking ways to enhance the collaborations in support of the joint educational missions of both professional societies. We ask for your input about improving existing collaborations, beginning new ones, and removing barriers to effective cooperation. Please complete this short survey.
Seeking members for the Annual Meeting Program (AMP) subcommittees for the 2026 and 2027 National Meetings
The AAPT Meeting Planning Committee (MPC) is seeking members interested in being part of the Annual Meeting Program (AMP) subcommittees for the 2026 and 2027 meetings. The 2026 meetings are: WM26 - January 17 - 20, Las Vegas, Nevada & SM26 - July 18 - 22, Pasadena, California. The 2027 meetings are: WM27 - January 9 - 12, New Orleans, Louisiana & SM27 - July 31 - August 4, Washington, DC. AMP committee members are tasked to engage in the organization and planning of national meetings as representatives of the AAPT general membership to ensure that the best interests of all stakeholders in AAPT are considered in content, structure, and accessibility for national meetings. If you are interested in being considered for either of these committees, please reach out to the Chair of AAPT's MPC Brad Conrad at brad.r.conrad@gmail.com.
Nominate Yourself or a Colleague for the Doc Brown Futures Award
Are you a physics teacher early in your career and love being in the classroom with your students? Do you want to enhance those experiences by drawing closer to your AAPT colleagues and be recognized for your passion? Or, do you know an early career AAPT member who fits this description? If so, I would love to have these accomplishments recognized by having you or your colleague receive the Doc Brown Futures Award! What does the awardee receive? A monetary prize of $1,000, a commemorative plaque, and a complimentary registration at an AAPT Summer Meeting to receive the award. Additionally, they receive two nights lodging at the conference hotel and a reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses. The awardee can enjoy time with a mentor who is a current AAPT leader and will learn how they may enhance physics education including a possible role in AAPT leadership circles. Read more
Anonymous Reporting Tool!
AAPT has implemented an ethics and compliance hotline called "Red Flag Reporting." Red Flag Reporting is an independent company that is dedicated to protecting organizations plus their employees, assets, reputations, and in the case of AAPT, our members. This service allows people to report any concerns regarding activities at AAPT events in violation of our code of conduct. To file a report, provide client code AAPTEvent and simply do one of the following:
• Visit www.RedFlagReporting.com and click on "File a Report"
• Call 1-877-647-3335
• Text RFR to 234-231-9005
• You may also use the following (be sure to be detail oriented, provide our client code, and indicate if you wish to be anonymous or not): Fax to 330-572-8146, Email to redflag@redflagreporting.com, Mail to RFR, P.O. Box 4230, Akron, Ohio 44321
We would like everyone to take the time to watch the appropriate video(s) here: Event Attendee Training Videos.
For more information, see this information posted in COMMUNITIES. If you have questions about AAPT's policies regarding these types of matters, we encourage you to review the information contained in our Code of Conduct.
Support AAPT and Join the 1930 Society!
Your support goes above and beyond member dues, and we are so grateful to members like you who are investing in the future of physics education. That's why we decided to launch the 1930 Society. This special group of supporters, named after our founding year, honors contributions of $500 or more every year to our association so we can better serve physics educators and the physics education community.
Would you like to get involved with the 1930 Society? Donate today!
Call to Area Committees and List Serves - AAPT COMMUNITIES
If you chair an Area Committee and are interested in creating a group on COMMUNITIES, please get in touch with us. This may be the best way to create a "friends of the committee" group going forward. Using this method, the Chair could set the default delivery option for the group to Real-Time, which would most accurately mirror the current list serve model. These groups would be open for any AAPT member to join. We would like to start with a handful of these groups as a pilot program to see how it works. If you are interested, please reach out to Mike Hall (mhall@aapt.org).
For those who do not choose to create a dedicated group on COMMUNITIES, you can still use the platform to let AAPT members know about your activities by posting in the General Community. We encourage all AAPT members to visit the AAPT COMMUNITIES platform and follow the Tag for any committee that you are interested in. Likewise, we encourage Committee Chairs to use this tag when posting information relevant to your committee.
Join Us for AAPT Virtual Coffee Hours
AAPT Virtual Coffee Hours provide opportunities for our members to share experiences and knowledge with one another to provide the best physics education possible to their students. These events are usually topical and include a short presentation, but we also encourage group discussion and participation in an informal setting. Virtual Coffee Hours are a benefit of your AAPT membership. We hope that you join us!
Check here for the next Virtual Coffee Hour. Check your inbox for an invitation. Please make sure you RSVP to the event. Everyone who RSVPs will receive a Zoom login a few hours before the call. We hope you can join us!
Coffee Hours are on hiatus but will resume in the fall.
Help Support AAPT!
We are living in incredibly challenging times. AAPT has been on the forefront providing resources to help physics educators. However, we need your support to continue AAPT's programs and resources. Gifts to the AAPT Annual Fund support the everyday operations of AAPT, from inspiring excellence through educational programming to recognizing award winning physics professionals, all critical pieces in supporting the advancement of physics education. Many of these programs run year round that need your support--donate today to the Annual Fund to make a difference!
Find a New Job This Year
The AAPT Career Center is here to help make your job hunting easier! With our powerful search tools, you'll be able to narrow things down by education level, sector, and experience, to find exactly what you're looking for. We work directly with academic institutions searching for the finest talent to fill the latest teaching posts, including positions like lecturer, instructor, and full professor. Browse our full list of jobs today.
CRC Handbook Needs Physics Teachers!
The CRC Handbook is looking for a physics teacher (high school or undergraduate) to help review physics topics in the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. If interested, please contact Dr. John Rumble - Editor-in-Chief at john.rumble@crchbcp.com.
Organization for Physics at Two-Year Colleges
OPTYCs (The Organization for Physics at Two-Year Colleges) is busy planning for future events and programs. To get the latest news, please check our website: https://optycs.aapt.org. Our events are free of charge, and open to everyone! We hope to see you soon!
Calling TYC members!
OPTYCs The Organization for Physics at Two-Year Colleges is continuing virtual events, even though NSF terminated the grant that funds us.
SAVE THE DATE!
Join us for free virtual professional development opportunities! Open to everyone!
Planning a Section Meeting? OPTYCs is offering to co-sponsor by helping to coordinate a workshop, funding TYC participants, or supporting your Section in other ways! Just reach out to us at OPTYCs@aapt.org.
AAPT Programs
Support the U.S. Physics Team - Donate Now
Each year AAPT sponsors a competition for high school students to represent the United States at the International Physics Olympiad Competition. The mission of the U.S. Physics Team Program is to promote and demonstrate academic excellence through preparation for and participation in the International Physics Olympiad. AAPT is responsible for recruiting, selecting and training teams each year to compete in the International Physics Olympiad Competition. Your contribution is needed to support these high school students as they prepare to represent the U.S. internationally. Donate now!
U.S. Physics Team Earned Five Gold Medals at the 2025 International Physics Olympiad
The U.S. Physics Team, represented by the five traveling members, competed with student scholars from 85 nations at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) held July 17–25 at PALAISEAU, Ecole Polytechnique, Paris, France. The 2025 International Physics Olympiad reflected the theme "Physics Beyond Frontiers." Each of these team members earned a Gold Medal. The U. S. Team is the only Country team to achieve five Gold Medals. Read more
2025 AAPT PhysicsBowl Contest
Contest results are now available on the PhysicsBowl webpage.
2025 AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest
The 2025 High School Physics Photo Contest Top 100 entries were displayed and judged during the 2025 Summer Meeting in Washington, DC. You can find the Top 100 photos & Top Finishers here.
The Frederick and Florence Bauder Endowment
The Frederick and Florence Bauder Endowment provides grants to support special activities in the area of physics teaching. The deadline for applications to request funds is December 1, 2025.
NEXUS/Physics
NEXUS/Physics is a research-based Introductory Physics for Life Sciences (IPLS) class designed to
The NEXUS/Physics problem collection is also available in an online, partially autograded commercial product, ExpertTA.
If you teach an IPLS course, consider our new online, interactive textbooks: Living Physics 1 and Living Physics 2 . These books consist of NEXUS/Physics material revised into a highly readable, coherent commercial text with integrated auto-graded questions, PhET simulations, and lots of authentic biological examples. Available from Top Hat. Royalties from both commercial products go to AAPT to support the Living Physics Portal.
Learn about APS' membership fee waiver for financial hardship
Our strength lies with our community, and we want to ensure that the community not only stays strong but grows. That's why we're waiving membership dues for those facing job loss or financial hardship. We encourage you to share this initiative with colleagues who will benefit.
PhysTEC Virtual Connection Event | Sept. 13
Physics teacher educators: join the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) for a free, half-day discussion of the future of teacher education. Registration is live now.
Resources for Physics Courses from the Effective Practices for Physics Programs (EP3 Guide)
The Effective Practices for Physics Programs (EP3) Guide includes recommendations for the various undergraduate physics courses your program may provide. Check out the sections focused on introductory courses for STEM majors and for life sciences majors, courses for non-STEM majors, and upper-level physics courses.
Up-to-date APS resources for job-seekers
The updated APS Careers 2025 guide offers new resources, including an employer directory of hiring companies. For more support, job-seekers can visit the APS physics careers hub.
Nominations open: EP3 Editorial Board
APS and AAPT established the EP3 Editorial Board to review and update the Effective Practices for Physics Programs (EP3) Guide. The EP3 Editorial Board seeks nominations and self-nominations for two open seats serving four-year terms starting January 1. Learn more on the EP3 Team Page, and apply today.
The 2025 CHICAGO, ATLANTA, TWIN CITIES, and BOSTON Area PICUP Workshops: Integrating Computation into High School and Undergraduate Physics
All you who dwell in these areas (and beyond, depending on your willingness to drive a little for a big gain!) are invited to participate in the 4th Annual Greater Chicagoland, the inaugural Atlanta Area, the 3rd Annual UMN/Twin Cities, and the inaugural Boston Area PICUP Workshops. Also referred to as Distributed Institutes for Computational Education in Physics (DICEs), these workshops are intended for those who desire to energize their physics courses at all levels, and the scope is appropriate for physics teachers from high schools, 2-year colleges, and 4-year colleges and universities. Workshop details and registration information can be found here:
Chicago: https://www.compadre.org/PICUP/events/Chicagoland2025/
Atlanta: https://www.compadre.org/PICUP/events/Atlanta/DICE2025/
TwinCities: https://www.compadre.org/PICUP/events/TwinCities2025/
Boston: https://www.compadre.org/PICUP/events/Boston2025/
Please note that these PICUP workshops are intended to be held annually in these regions, and we urge you to be involved. We are looking to develop a working, supportive community of like-minded instructors who teach computation in their physics classes, and to grow these efforts into thriving, self-sustaining communities that support computation in physics into the future and beyond. Please spread the word to other faculty you may know that could benefit from this experience, and do your best to join us this fall.
Watch the Newly Available Video, "Professional Societies and You"
It's easy to get so caught up in day-to-day professional responsibilities that you end up working in a bubble. Yet if your goal is to expand your career opportunities, engaging in the larger physical sciences community is an important step. For students and early-career scientists especially, joining a professional society can help build interpersonal networks and open up avenues for career advancement. Watch the video to learn more!
Opportunity: Help Identify High-Quality Instructional Materials with EdReports
EdReports is a non-profit organization with a mission to empower educators with independent, credible, evidence-rich information about instructional materials to ensure students have what they need to be college and career-ready. They are now accepting applications for reviewers for reviews of K-12 science instructional materials. Apply now to engage in deep professional learning on the Next Generation Science Standards with a national network of skilled educators. Learn more about EdReports here and apply to become a reviewer here.
AAPT Membership
AAPT Member Spotlight
Brian Bennett
IB Physics Years 1 & 2 and AP Physics C-Mechanics Teacher
Washington-Liberty High School
Arlington, Virginia
Read More.
Free Engineering Tomorrow Equipment for AAPT Teachers
James Lincoln, who leads the Southern California AAPT New Physics Teacher Workshops, has received approval to share the free equipment program nationwide. Teachers of SCAAPT have found the free equipment to be "very helpful and of high quality." Click here for more information.
AAPT Member Writes New AP Physics Lab Manual
The recent redesign of AP Physics, especially AP Physics 1, has motivated several recent articles and outreach efforts. However, the addition of Fluid Physics to this curriculum has motivated AAPT Member James Lincoln to write a new lab manual that includes these topics.
The lab manual contains 65 one-day labs for AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C: Mechanics, including the new unit on Fluids. Interested teachers can find purchase options on www.SCAPTI.org
AAPT On Demand Store
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new AAPT On Demand swag store! You'll find shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more in a variety of styles and colors to choose from. Visit https://ow.ly/gEH250OYnzo to view our product selections and order your swag today!
Delivery Options for Print Journals
Many of you receive the print editions of our journals at your workplace, which you may not have access to currently. We wanted to provide you with instructions on how to update your preferred mailing address in your member profile.
- 1. Log in to www.aapt.org and sign in.
- 2. Click on MY ACCOUNT.
- 3. Click the EDIT button (pencil) under ADDRESSES.
- 4. Address preferences should be listed on the right side.
As always, if you need assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us (membership@aapt.org, 301.209.3333).
Membership Renewal
We appreciate our community of members, and we are here to serve you. If you have any difficulties renewing your membership or have any membership-related questions, please do not hesitate to contact us in the Membership Department at 301.209.3333 or membership@aapt.org.
Member Discounts Now Available!
AAPT Members can take advantage of major discounts at retailers such as Hertz, Office Depot/Office Max and HotelEngine.com. You save a percentage of your bill and a portion of the proceeds helps to support AAPT as well! Be sure to check the Member Discounts Program page for details.
Member savings with Avis and Budget
AAPT Members can save up to 35% off Avis PAY NOW rates when making a reservation with Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) http://bit.ly/aapt_avis.
More Ways to Save:
Skip the counter and paperwork at many locations, go straight to your car for faster pick-up, and drop off, when you sign up and use your complimentary membership in the Avis Preferred® or Budget's Fastbreak Rewards Program. In addition, members earn points towards free rentals, accessories and upgrades.
To make a reservation with Avis, visit: www.avis.com/en/association/A672057 and use your Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number A672057.
To book with Budget, visit: www.budget.com/en/association/B079565 and use your Budget Customer Discount (BCD) number B079565.
Sign up for Text Alerts:
Don't miss out on special offers! Get exclusive offers sent directly to your phone by texting AAPTABG to 833-344-0228.
What Do You Want Your Legacy to Be?
Teachers make a difference. Given the chance, most of us would like to leave a legacy to organizations we valued in our lifetime. You help shape the future. AAPT can help you determine what you want your legacy to be-to your family, to your fellow teachers, and to tomorrow's future teachers. Planned Giving creates opportunities for you to make a lasting difference to physics education and AAPT. Consider including AAPT in your estate and financial plans. Click here for more information or contact eo@aapt.org.
AAPT Member Benefit: Up to 25 Free Downloads of AIP Journals Every Year
AAPT has partnered with AIP Publishing on a valuable benefit. AAPT members receive 25 free article downloads per year from any AIP Publishing journal.
This is an exclusive AAPT member benefit. Access any one of the journals in this list of journals now by clicking the 'SIGN IN' link in the right hand corner, and logging in with your AIP Publishing username and password. Click either the "PDF" or "FULL TEXT" menu buttons to download the entire article. You will then be given an option to use one of your AAPT member credits to access the article.
Articles you download will be saved in your profile. AAPT members receive 25 free downloads each year as long as their membership remains in good standing. Members also enjoy 25% off all AIPP/AAPT co-published digital books.
New members receive an email from AIP Publishing with registration information for an AIP Publishing account. If you do not currently have access to AIPP benefits including online access to AJP and TPT, please contact the help desk at help@aip.org.
Call for Award Nominations
The AAPT Awards Committee invites nominations for all of AAPT awards, citations, and medals. We are particularly interested in nominations for AAPT Fellows and for the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT. Deadlines for nominations are June 1st and December 1st.
Infusing Engineering Into the Science Classroom
Join other teachers seeking to integrate engineering into their science classroom with this unique professional development opportunity. Headed by AAPT/AIP Master Teacher Policy fellows Matthew Peterie and Andrew Edmondson, you will learn from experienced and skillful teachers. The cost will be $385 for individual attendee which includes your registration for the year long program and meals for the two days at Olathe Northwest. If a group of teachers from a building or district would like to attend, reduced pricing is available. After registering your team by completing the form below, subsequent correspondence will make arrangements for payment. Sign up here.
OSTP/NSF Working Group on Quantum Information Education
The OSTP/NSF working group on Quantum Information Education finished its report and there was a NSF press release. Read More. Also click here for full report.
James Lincoln Addresses Fluid Physics for AP Physics 1
AP Physics 1 has gone through some major changes this year. The largest of which is to add a unit on Fluid Physics which will be new for a majority of AP Physics teachers this year. To address this change, James Lincoln has produced a video series on Fluid Physics for AP Physics 1. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYPzrDsUD48
K12 Corner
Opportunity for Physics Teachers: Pilot New Energy Modules
Enhance your physics instruction with engaging, project-based energy modules that support understanding of energy transfers, flow, and systems thinking. We're seeking 10 -15 teachers to pilot these materials, participate in professional development, and provide feedback. Qualified participants will receive compensation and support. To learn more please fill out this interest form and visit the initial research website.
STEP UP Community
STEP UP is a national community of physics teachers, researchers, and professional societies. We design high school physics lessons to empower teachers, create cultural change, and inspire young women to pursue physics in college. Attend our upcoming virtual gathering to learn more and connect with the STEP UP community. Register now!
Let U.S. K-12 Educators Know: Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Application is Live!
The Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program is a yearlong professional learning opportunity and short-term exchange for elementary, middle, and high school educators from the United States to develop skills to prepare students for a competitive global economy. Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms equips educators to bring an international perspective to their schools through targeted training, experience abroad, and global collaboration.
Barbara Wolff-Reichert Travel Grants
This endowment fund was established in 2023, by Jonathan F. Reichert to honor Barbara Wolff-Reichert and to encourage both new and experienced high school teachers, who have never done so, to attend and participate in national meetings of the American Association of Physics Teachers. Read more
Journal of High School Discovery
The Journal of High School Discovery is a new outlet for young researchers to share their work. We are the only journal created and run by high school students to publish the work of other high school students. This is a project we started out of a strong passion for science and a desire to show the world the passion of other like minded students.
We are looking for physics teachers to help curate our articles. As a curator, you would assist us by reviewing submissions for accuracy and scientific value, shaping the future of the journal. In addition, we ask for your help in connecting us with passionate students who may be interested in publishing their work.
We ask that interested teachers and students check us out at hsdjournal.com or contact us at
editor@hsdjournal.com.
Enhance High School Physics Education with the AIP Meggers Project Award
The William F. and Edith R. Meggers Project Award provides up to $25,000 in funding for projects that improve high school physics education in the U.S. This biennial award supports innovative initiatives designed to increase student interest in physics and enhance the quality of instruction. Educators, groups, and individuals are encouraged to apply, especially those incorporating collaboration with students, undergraduate mentors, or school programs. Proposals are due soon! Learn more and apply today.
In the News
Free OpenStax Astronomy Textbook Saves $92 Million
The non-profit OpenStax project at Rice University is happy to announce that the free, open-source book Astronomy, by A. Fraknoi, S. Wolff, and D. Morrison, is now the most-adopted, introductory astronomy textbook in North America, having been used by more than 1.3 million students at 2,100 universities, colleges, and schools. OpenStax estimates that the book has saved astronomy students about $92 million in textbook costs already. Anyone can see the book at http://bit.ly/astronomytextbook.
The book, which can be read on line, or downloaded via the free OpenStax app, has also been used by more than 100,000 independent readers. It is part of a project (supported by several major charitable foundations) to lower the cost of college by developing free, high-quality textbooks for every introductory class students take.
Instructors can register to adopt the book at the above website as well. Confirmed registrants will have access to the answers to the end-of-chapter questions, and other instructional materials keyed to the book. There is also a free repository (hub) of slides, videos, teaching guides, and other resources, produced by the authors and a group of enthusiastic adopters, at the OER Commons. See: oercommons.org/groups/openstax
Medical physics website available as resource for physics educators
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), an affiliated organization with AAPT, just completed a large-scale effort to launch a public education website. Medical physics is a field that uses concepts in physics to address questions in medicine. Medical physicists work in research, education, and clinical capacities in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and health physics. Physics students who want to learn how an MRI scanner works, read about how radiation affects cells, or just want to learn about a career in applied physics will enjoy this website, which includes an active "Ask the Expert" platform. https://www.medicalradiationinfo.org/.
Support Your Students' Next Steps in Physics & Astronomy - #SPSCon 2025 Awaits!
Physics and astronomy educators have a unique opportunity to support their students by encouraging them to attend the 2025 Physics and Astronomy Congress, a transformative event designed for undergraduate students exploring their future in the physical sciences. With the theme "Supporting Our Phase Shifts," the Congress will help students navigate the transitions from undergraduate studies to graduate school, industry, national labs, and beyond. Educators can play a key role by sharing this opportunity with students and helping them connect with a vibrant scientific community. In addition, educators attending the event can participate in the Career & Grad Fair, hosted by SPS, AIP, and APS, to gain insights into emerging career paths for students. They can also sign up for Lunch with Scientists, a chance to engage directly with students and share their own professional experiences— stay tuned for sign-up details, which will be available in the Congress registration portal when it opens. By encouraging students to attend #SPSCon 2025, educators can help them embrace their phase shifts and take the next step in their physics and astronomy journeys.
Find Resources for Teaching Physics for Life Sciences Students on the Living Physics Portal
The Living Physics Portal is an online environment for physics educators to find, share, and discuss free teaching materials for introductory physics for life sciences (IPLS). The objective of the Portal is to improve the education of the next generation of medical professionals and biologists by making physics classes more relevant for life sciences students. The Portal is available for free to all verified educators.
Features available on the Portal are:
• Anyone can view and download over 200 resources in our Vetted Library.
• Registered users can also view and download over 100 resources in our Community Library, along with answer keys and other instructor supplements, and join discussions about resources.
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