The Southern California Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (SCAAPT)
is offering a six-hour Physics Teaching Resource Agent (PTRA) Workshop on Laboratory Activities
for Physical Science and Physics teachers in Southern California

When: Friday, 7 November 2008, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Where: Cal Poly Pomona. Room 2618, Building 3

Presenters: Jim and Jane Nelson, National AAPT-PTRA

Theme:   Analysis of Laboratory Data Modeling Instructional Approach and a Generic 4-Step procedure for analyzing student experimental data

Activities: Workshop participants will perform several laboratory activities.   For each activity they will measure, graphically display, and analyze the data using a graphing calculator.   Calculators will be provided; however, participants are welcome to bring their own.   The ultimate goal for each laboratory activity is to arrive at a general equation that summarizes the relationship between the variables measured.   A CD with Black Line Masters of each activity will be provided to participants along with access to electronic versions that teachers can modify for their own use.   Sample laboratory activities using a constant speed tumble buggy will include as many of the following as time permits:

• Measurement of Speed on a Smooth and Level Surface
• Investigation of a Flashing Light
• Comparison of Average Speed and Final Speed
• Comparing Linear Speed and Circular Speed
• Measurement of Speed on an Inclined Plane (Average vs. Final Speed)
• Finding Speed & Velocity of a Car Traveling with Uniform Circular Motion

Lunch will be provided

Participants will receive:

• CD with black line master of activities and other handouts used during workshop.
• Constant Speed Buggy using in the laboratory activities above
• Free one year membership in SCAAPT
• Free six-month trial membership in AAPT
• Physlets Book, Addison Wesley
• Ranking Tasks Book, Addison Wesley
• Role of the Laboratory Teacher Resource, AAPT Press
• Teaching Physics for the First Time Teacher Resource, AAPT Press
• The Mystery of Dark Matter, DVD and Teacher Resource, Perimeter Institute

Preference will be given to new teachers, i.e. , those having less than 5 years teaching Physics/Physical Science.

Space will be limited to 24 participants

Deadline for registration: Friday, October 24, 2008

To register:   Complete the registration form ($50 fee required for application, will be returned on first day of instruction.)

Downloadable materials:

• Information Flyer for Workshop
• Registration Form

For more information please email Mary Mogge