eNNOUNCER March, 2010

2010 APS/AAPT Joint Meeting

It is confirmed, the Joint Meeting with American Physical Society (APS) was a great success.
Did you miss the meeting? We've got a sample of what you missed!
Snow trapped you at home? Couldn't get the days off you needed to attend? No worries! We broadcast and recorded some of the AAPT events (below) and you can rewatch them whenever you like.
2010 Meeting Channel
AAPT Awards Ceremony
Symposium on Physics Education: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Presidential Address by Alex Dickison
See photos from the meeting.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/physicsteachers

Check the events calendar for future meetings.
http://www.aapt.org/Events/calendar.cfm

A Call to Action for Teacher Education

Teachers prepare the students for the future, but how well are we preparing the teachers? According to experts, the national landscape of physics teacher preparation is a backdrop of largely inefficient, mostly incoherent programs punctuated by isolated pockets of professional excellence.
Current statistics indicate that there is a drastic shortage of qualified physics teachers, but our system is massively unprepared to deal with the current and future needs of the nation’s students. The Fourth Annual Symposium on Physics Education, titled "Educating Physics Teachers: A Call to Action for Physics Departments," examined this grim national landscape and addressed the questions: what can be learned from the few exemplary programs that prepare physics teachers for the 21st century, and what should universities, states, federal agencies, funding agencies, and policy makers do to meet the urgent national need? Symposium panelists shared their experiences in teacher education, and shared the findings and recommendations of The Task Force on Teacher Education in Physics (T-TEP) Report. The National Task Force on Teacher Education in Physics is funded by the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC), a joint project of the American Association of Physics Teachers and the American Physical Society, through a grant from the National Science Foundation.
The Symposium, dedicated to the memory of Len Jossem, was recorded and is available on UStream at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/4774438.
The Task Force on Teacher Education in Physics Report Synopsis is available from AAPT.
See the Education Week, "Curriculum Matters" story on the report Study: Physics-Teacher Prep System 'Mostly Incoherent' by Erik Robelen on February 16, 2010.

Did You Join Us on Facebook and Twitter During the Meeting? If Not, Look What You Missed.

"hwhitneyphd: Giving my talk on using clickers at TINY schools at 11:21am this morning in Washington I; hope to see you there! #apsaapt"
"rainamasala: The poster session tonight was awesome! Time to recuperate for tomorrow. #apsaapt"
"physicsteachers: Secrecy Film is a FULL HOUSE! thanks for coming, all. More shows on Mon at 4pm and Tues at 7:30pm #apsaapt"

These and other tweets, posts and discussions are ongoing at the following links.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Association-of-Physics-Teachers/43948086085?ref=ts
http://twitter.com/physicsteachers

AAPT Announces e-Mentor for New Pre-College Physics and Physical Science Teachers

Are you a new physics or physical science teacher or do you know a new physics or physical science teacher who could benefit from mentoring by a master teacher?
AAPT is starting a new mentoring program for pre-college teachers that are new to teaching physics or physical science. The mentoring will be done electronically by phone, e-mail, or by video conferencing such as SKYPE. The mentors are master teachers who have participated in programs like the AAPT/PTRA or PhysTEC Teachers in Residence. Those interested in participating should register at http://www.aapt.org/Resources/ementor.cfm and a mentor familiar with the subjects being taught will be assigned by the e-Mentor coordinator.

New Executive Board Members for 2010

New AAPT Executive Board Members took office February 17, 2010.
http://www.aapt.org/aboutaapt/organization/board.cfm
Changes to the Board are:
David M. Cook, President
David R. Sokoloff, President-Elect
Jill A. Marshall, Vice President
Alexander K. Dickison, Past President
Steven Shropshire, 4 year College Member-at-Large

Call for Authors

The American Association of Physics Teachers seeks individuals interested in preparing a state-of-the-art, next generation manuscript for the American Journal of Physics or The Physics Teacher that takes full advantage of cutting edge technology, innovation, and R&D in electronic publishing. The selected individuals will be part of a working group that will design the features and determine what resources are needed to produce online manuscripts incorporating currently available digital technology. Example features include animations embedded directly in the manuscript, accessible data tables associated with figures, capability to re-plot and analyze graphical data in different ways, access to intermediate derivation steps between equations, tags on symbols that reveal what the symbol stands for, and the ability to view the manuscript with different levels of detail. Individuals who are interested in participating in the working group to develop a manuscript should send a vita, a description of a proposed manuscript, and information on any prior relevant experience to Marilyn Gardner, Director of Communications, (mgardner@aapt.org) by May 31, 2010.

Visit AAPT in Philadelphia!

March 18-20, 2010 AAPT will participate in the exhibit show at the NSTA National Conference in Philadelphia. Please visit booth #2233 and explore our exciting selection of resources and publications designed to strengthen and support your physics instruction. Don’t forget to pick up some exciting giveaways and enter to win the AAPT gift basket.

Barbara Lotze Scholorship Winners Announced

The Barbara Lotze Scholarship Committee today announced that the current scholarships will be awarded to:
David McArdle
Matthew Colavita
Sarah Pfluger
The AAPT Executive Board offers scholarships for future high school physics teachers. These scholarships, supported by an endowment funded by Barbara Lotze, are available only to U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools. Undergraduate students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in physics teacher preparation curricula and high school seniors entering such programs are eligible. Successful applicants receive a stipend of up to $2,000. The scholarship may be granted to an individual for each of four years.
Note: The Committee would like to determine how effective the scholarships have been in producing high school teachers. If you are a former recipient of this scholarship please let us know if you completed your teacher education, attained certification, have found a teaching position, and how long you have remained in your teaching position.

APS/AAPT PTEC Topical Workshop: Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
April 19-20, 2010
Rutgers University, in cooperation with the APS/AAPT Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PTEC), invites you to attend a workshop that will change how you think about preparing physics teachers. This two-day topical workshop will highlight the unique Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK)-based curriculum developed at Rutgers. For more information, please see www.ptec.org/conferences/PCK2010.

Need a Great Science Intern?

The AAPT Career Center is now offering a FREE online-only posting to employers recruiting seasonal interns. Get the word out and reach the future of the science community – AAPT's membership, as well as the members and student members of APS, AVS, and the IEEE Computer Society (if a computer-related internship). Your intern posting will also appear on the Physics Today Jobs site. Login to or create your Employer account at http://careers.aapt.org/hr/index.cfm to get started. Free posting valid on 60-day online-only internship postings ONLY. "Student/Internship" Career Level must be selected when posting to access this offer.

2010 High School Physics Photo Contest

Entries are now being accepted for the popular High School Physics Photo Contest sponsored by Vernier! The contest is open to high school students in grades 9-12 (or equivalent international grade level). Photos may be entered in one of two categories: Natural and Contrived. Submit your entries online today! http://www.aapt.org/Programs/contests/photocontest.cfm

On the Road to Gold: U.S. Physics Team Semifinalists Announced

Great physics educators inspire the best high school minds in the United States and some of the best high school educators are listed, together with their students, at http://www.aapt.org/physicsteam/2010/info.cfm. AAPT has announced the top students chosen to advance to the Semifinal round of U.S. Physics Team selection. Approximately 3,200 students participated in this first phase of the selection process, the Fnet=ma Exam, in January. The Semifinalists will participate in a second examination during March. Top scorers in the second exam will become the 2010 U.S. Physics Team.

PHYSICSBOWL 2010

The application deadline for the 2010 Physicsbowl is March 16!
Register now at www.aapt.org/programs/contests/physicsbowl.cfm.

The Nucleus

The Nucleus has been updated with a brand new look and new features including recommended videos. All of our other great features like the scholarship database, summer research opportunites, textbook reviews and discussion forums are still there as well. You can also create a page for your student physics club.
The Nucleus is a comPADRE collection designed specifically to serve as an informational touchpoint and online community for undergraduate physics and astronomy students. Undergraduates are encouraged to register and participate in the growth of the site—the more visitors we have coming through and providing thoughts, opinions, and further content, the more valuable this site will become!

Teaching About Kinematics

This AAPT/PTRA resource book, based on physics education research, provides teachers with the resources needed to introduce students to some of the fundamental building blocks of physics. It is a carefully thought-out, step-by-step laboratory-based introduction to the foundation of physics. Inquiry, measurement, and analysis of laboratory data are emphasized throughout. Teaching About Kinematics starts with chapters on the measurement of Time and Space, followed by chapters designed to distinguish among Speed, Velocity, and three types of Acceleration. In addition to dozens of laboratory activities, it provides worksheets, transparency masters, teacher notes, typical answers to questions, and helpful hints by two master PTRAs. Get your copy now at the Physics Store.

The AIP Statistical Research Center: Focus on Physics Graduate Enrollments and Degrees

This Publication presents findings from the annual survey of Enrollments and Degrees. It includes data covering graduate enrollments from the fall of 2007 and graduate degrees for the class of 2007. The data describe not only changes in the number of students enrolled and degrees conferred, but also issues concerning gender, race and citizenship.
One of the findings is that total graduate student enrollments are up 33% from a recent low in the fall of 1999. During this time period the number of non-US citizens rose 26%, whereas the number of US citizens enrolled in physics graduate programs rose 40%.
You can find this publication on the SRC website at: http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/reports/EDphysgrad07.pdf
Another one of the findings shows that the number of physics bachelor’s awarded has been rising steadily for 8 consecutive years, increasing by 58%. The size of the class of 2007 is approaching an all time high with 5,755 bachelor’s degrees, the highest total since 1970.
You can find this publication on the SRC website at: http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/reports/EDphysund07.pdf

Science Education Websites

Science has announced the first of 12 winners in a competition for websites that best promote science education. Each month this year, Science will publish an essay by the creators of a winning website that describes their online resources. This month's featured site focuses on teaching and learning genetics, and it originates from the University of Utah. The Science Prize for Online Resources in Education (SPORE) recognizes outstanding freely available online materials that enrich science education. The nomination process for Science's 2010 SPORE contest has just begun. Go to www.aaas.org/go/spore to learn more about the program, rules of eligibility, and the nomination process.

Professor of the Year Awards

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching have launched the nomination period for the 2010 U.S. Professors of the Year awards.
Since 1981, the annual program has honored a select group of U.S. professors who excel as educators and influence the lives and careers of their students. It is the only national initiative designed to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring.
In 2009, there were 42 winners—four who achieved national recognition as well as state winners in 36 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. Two of the four national winners and more than half of our state winners were in the fields of mathematics, the sciences or engineering.
The deadline for 2010 program entries is Friday, April 16, 2010. Nomination material and information on the awards program are available at www.usprofessorsoftheyear.org.

Laserfest 2010

Laserfest is a yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the laser, which was first demonstrated in 1960, and is a collaboration between the American Physical Society, the Optical Society, SPIE and IEEE Photonics Society. From DVD players to eye surgery, the laser is one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century—one that has revolutionized the way we live. AAPT is a proud supporting partner of Laserfest. Learn about Events and Activities at http://www.laserfest.org/.

Gordon Research Conferences – 2010 Program

The Gordon Conference on Physics Research and Education: Experimental Research and Labs in Physics Education which will take place from June 6-11, 2010 in Mount Holyoke College. Here is the website with more details: http://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?year=2010&program=physedu
Fellowship Opportunities
Carl Storm underrepresented minority Fellowship of $600 is available to African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans attending the GRC for the first time: http://www.grc.org/diversity.aspx?page=2
A $1250 Carl Storm International diversity fellowship is available to graduate students or postdocs who currently reside/work in Africa, India, China or Central/South America. http://www.grc.org/chairing.aspx
A $600 Eastern European/Former Soviet Union Fellowship is also available: http://www.grc.org/chairing.aspx

National Lab Day (NLD)

Wondering what your class can do for National Lab Day? First, take a look at the great YouTube video below created specifically for the STEM community at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HOYFktLyk4. There are now more than 1000 project requests from teachers up on the website. Teachers and scientists are matching up on the site and many projects are already underway.
Additional tools to help you participate include:
1. A new dynamic Google map of all the project requests enables users to see the abundance of requests now coming in from all 50 states across the nation. http://www.nationallabday.org/projects_map The site also has significant search capabilities of the project requests including the ability to search an area around any zip code.
2. A Resources area to give teachers and students a wide range of hands-on learning modules. Top content providers from NASA to NIH are contributing to the site. This area includes a fine-grained search and filtering tool to enable users to quickly locate resources by type, subject and other attributes.
3. National Lab Day has opened up the site registration to organizations. This enables organizations to register multiple people and to offer teachers and others access to events and resources. It also enables organizations to adopt projects of interest with their own MyNLD page and to demonstrate an organization-wide commitment to National Lab Day.
4. The website includes real world case studies and testimonials from teachers who have benefitted directly from NLD. Feel free to send your experiences and testimonials.
5. Follow NLD on twitter! http://twitter.com/nlday
6. Become an NLD fan on facebook! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20568327141#!/pages/National-Lab-Day/448125385596?ref=ts
Teachers are encouraged to sign up at https://www.nationallabday.org/teachers/new Scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians are invited to sign up at https://www.nationallabday.org/scientists/new Organization sign up at https://www.nationallabday.org/organizations/new

National Pi Day

The U.S. House of Representatives declared March 14th to be National Pi Day in celebration of Pi and is encouraging more funding and research to be devoted to math and science programs for students. Many universities around the world celebrate Pi Day by having events devoted to educating the public about Pi and eating pies and pizza pies. Join AAPT with your own Pi celebration on March 14 (3.14).

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Copyright © 2010, American Association of Physics Teachers