A Program of the National Science Foundation at La Salle University
www.mspgp.org
Introduction to Modeling Physics & Chemistry
Larry Dukerich, Arizona State University
November 13-14, 2007
Larry Dukerich is the co-author of the Modeling Chemistry curriculum materials. He has led Modeling Instruction workshops in high school physics, physical science and chemistry since 1995 and has been involved with editing and disseminating the curriculum materials for the Modeling Instruction Project.
The design of the highly successful Modeling Physics and Modeling Chemistry curricula is solidly based in research on how students learn science; the modeling physics curriculum was the only high school science program recognized as exemplary by the U.S. Department of Education (2001). The Ridley School District has been using these curriculum for several years. The number of their students taking AP Physics has grown from three to more than fifty while overall their number of AP students has quadrupled.
Here are some readings about modeling. A synopsis of the method extracted from the paper Ò A Modeling Method for high school physics instructionÓ. A more in-depth treatment of modeling is in the paper "Modeling Methodology for Physics TeachersÓ.
3
workshop locations/formats to choose from. No charge to participants.
Tuesday
November 13th
Session
1. Presentation on Modeling and Discussion
12 noon – 2pm,
Villanova University, Villanova PA.
Session 2. Presentation and Hands-on Lab Session
4pm – 7pm, DaVinci Science Center, Allentown, PA.
Wednesday November 14th
Session 3. Full day workshop including
Presentation,
Hands-on Lab Session and Observing students in modeling classes.
8:30 am –
2:30 pm, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA
This session is
now full; names are being added to a waiting list.
To register for any of the sessions, return the registration form to Nancy Burns (phone: 610.825.5644 x226) either via email to: burns@mspgp.org or by fax to 610.825.9180. Space is limited.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday November 7, 2007.
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Modeling Session 1. Presentation on Modeling and Discussion,
Tuesday November 13th 2007,
12 noon – 2pm,
Radnor-St
Davids Room, Connelly Student Center
Villanova University, Villanova PA.
Description: A one hour overview of the rationale behind the pedagogy and the sequence of topics for modeling Physics and Chemistry. Followed by a question and answer session. This is a session primarily for instructors in higher education and people from business and industry but all are welcome. A light lunch will be provided for participants.
Questions about this session should be addressed to Bob Styer at robert.styer@villanova.edu.
Tentative Schedule: Lunch 12:00 – 12:30; Presentation 12:30 – 1:30; Discussion 1:30 – 2:00 pm.
For directions to Connelly Student Center, Villanova University click here. Note that you should enter the Villanova campus at the Main Entrance which is located on Ethan Ave. The Connelly Student Center is building #20 on the campus map. If the parking lot next to the center is full, you will be directed to the temporary parking lot in front of Tolentine Hall (#8).
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Modeling Session 2. Presentation on Modeling & Hands-on
Lab Session,
Tuesday November 13th 2007,
4pm – 7pm,
DaVinci Science Center, Allentown, PA
Description: A one hour overview of modeling instruction followed by a hands on lab experience. Participants will choose either the physics or chemistry lab session. These sessions will include experience white boarding, one of the many creative features of the modeling curriculum. Dinner will be provided. All are welcome!
Questions about this session should be addressed to David Smith (x111), dsmith@davinci-center.org, at the Da Vinci Science Center (484-664-1002)
For directions to the DaVinci Science Center, click here.
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Modeling Session 3. This session is now full; names are being added to a waiting list.
Full day workshop including Presentation,
Hands-on Lab Session & Observing students in modeling classes.
Wednesday November 14th 2007,
8:30 am – 2:30 pm,
Ridley High School,
901 Morton Ave., Folsom, PA
Description: A full day workshop examining modeling instruction from a variety of perspectives including a presentation on modeling, experiencing a hands-on lab session in either chemistry or physics and observing students in classes engaged in modeling. Administrators, teachers (high school or higher ed), student teachers, and science education students are welcome. Lunch will be provided.
Click here for complete agenda.
Questions about this session should be addressed to Ray Howanski, Ridley High School Science Chair, at raymond_howanski@ridleysd.k12.pa.us.
For directions to the Ridley High School, click here.
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Agenda for the Ridley Modeling Day
Wednesday November 14, 2007
8:30 Coffee and Donuts -- Welcome
9:00 – 9:30 Introduction to Modeling by Larry Dukerich
9:45 - 10:50 Observe Modeling Physics class
11:00 – 12:00 Lunch will be provided
12:00 – 1:00 Teachers participate in a lab and White-boarding Session (No students)
9:45 – 10:50 Teachers participate in a Chemistry lab and White-boarding Session (No students)
11:00 – 12:00 Lunch will be provided
12:00 – 1:00 Observe a Modeling Chemistry Lesson
All participants
1:00 – 1:30 Discussion between Chemistry and Physics participants
1:30 – 2:30 Keynote: A more detailed discussion of modeling with Larry Dukerich
2:30 – 3:30 Optional Planning Session: How can we organize locally to promote improvement in science instruction through modeling? We are hoping to join the resources of the private sector, school districts, science organizations and Higher Education.