Fermilab Education Home sciencelines Home Page Spring-Summer 1999

Phriendly Physics Institute Team
August 9-13, 1999
8:00 am - 4:00 pm

The Fermilab Education Office will be offering Phriendly Physics to teams of K-5 teachers this summer. Phriendly Physics is a week-long summer workshop designed around two goals: to improve teacher understanding of physics concepts relevant to the elementary school curriculum, and to increase the comfort level of the teachers with these topics so they bring more physics into their classrooms.

The Education Office developed the workshop in 1997 in conjunction with Fermilab scientists and Batavia School District 101. A master elementary school teacher and a team of Fermilab physicists facilitate instruction. Inquiry-based instruction and reflective learning are integral components of the experience. Teachers explore the fundamentals of physical science and have a unique opportunity to see Fermilab science facilities and experiments firsthand. The lead instructor facilitates discussions with the teachers to make the connection between these major themes of physics and the science topics taught in their grades.

Phriendly Physics project embraces the philosophy that children are naturally inquisitive and learn about their world through their own explorations. A comfortable understanding of physical science through inquiry will strengthen understanding, not just of science, but of the world. The goal of the workshop is to allow teachers to learn, discuss, process and reflect upon concepts of the physical sciences presented by a master teacher and scientists. Through this process you will gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and new approaches in teaching and learning by the scientific method and scientific journaling. You'll receive equipment and supplies to explore these concepts with your students.

Topics and themes for the workshop are based on the National Science Education Standards and the Illinois Learning Standards. The topics include:
· Properties and changes in properties of objects and materials
· Light and heat
· Electricity and magnetism
· Motions and forces
· Energy and energy transfer

Registration is by district or school and is first-come, first-served. A district may send a team of four to six K-5 teachers, preferably from a variety of grade levels. For more information, please contact Spencer Pasero by e-mail at spasero@fnal.gov, or by phone at 630-840-3076. Participating teachers will be eligible for two semester hours of college credit from Aurora University.

 

PASCO Scientific Exploratory Workshop
May 19, 1999

The Lederman Science Center will be the site of a hands-on workshop on the latest technology of interface boxes and probeware along with the latest pedogogy of inquiry-based teaching.
During this 7-hour workshop you will conduct science experiments using ScienceWorkshop, a computer-linked probeware system. Macintosh computers will be used at this workshop (Windows software compatible as well). In the morning session, your facilitator, Tony Kietrys from Wallenpaupack Area High School, will guide you through tutorials that include sound monitoring and remote data collection with the temperature sensor. After lunch, you'll gather in small groups to collect and analyze data for the following experiments:
EKG, edible batteries, octaves and tones, pH and temperature, Boyle's Law, pH titration, and free fall.

The workshop includes a teacher's guide detailing the experiments, lunch and a $60.00 gift certificate toward future PASCO equipment purchases.

The fee is $60.00. To register contact Linda Brown, PASCO Scientific, 10101 Foothills Blvd., Roseville, CA 95747, 916-786-3800. Registration must be received two weeks prior to the workshop. PASCO will confirm attendance and provide specific program details in writing.

 

Quarks to Quasars
June 24 and June 25, 1999
8:30 am- 5:00 pm
Grades 4 - 12

Explore the Lederman Science Education Center! This expanded Adventure includes "all the fixin's" to creat an exploration-based teaching unit on particle physics. Classroom experiments and demonstrations will make up the majority of the activities during your visit, with a special emphasis on the science demonstrated by the huge (Fermilab scale) Interactive Teaching/Learning Stations. Background information as well as a student and teacher workbook will be provided to all participants.

After this workshop, teachers and their students will be able to schedule a Quarks to Quasars field trip to the Lederman Science Education Center and see how high-energy science is pushing our limits of understanding into new uncharted areas.

Instructors: Robert Grimm, Fremd High School and Barbara Romack, Kaneland Elementary School

Fee: $80/teacher. One semester hour of graduate credit may be arranged.

For more information, please contact Spencer Pasero by e-mail at spasero@fnal.gov, or by phone at 630-840-3076.

 

Beauty and Charm
June 22 and 23, 1999
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Grades 6 - 9

Beauty and Charm, An Introduction to Particle Physics, is a series of simple hands-on experiments which portray concepts such as "Studying Things You Can't See," "Using Motion to Find What You Can't See," and "Seeing the Unseen." The purpose of the unit is to provide an experience which broadens and enriches attitudes and develop an appreciation for physics and the work carried out at Fermilab.

Teachers attend a workshop, teach the unit to their students and then may bring their students to Fermilab for a special guided tour which includes a Q&A session with a scientist.

In the Beauty and Charm workshop, teachers have the opportunity to learn by doing most activities contained in the unit. Workshop instructors introduce helpful ideas, additional materials and suggestions.

Instructors: James Cox, Hinsdale Junior High School and Robin Dombeck, Brookfield Zoo

Fee: $80/teacher. One semester hour of graduate credit may be arranged.

For more information, please contact Spencer Pasero by e-mail at spasero@fnal.gov, or by phone at 630-840-3076.

 

Particles and Prairies
August 10, 11, 12, and 13, 1999
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Grades 6 - 8

Particles and Prairies provides a close, hands-on look at abiotic and biotic aspects of Fermilab prairie, savannah and aquatic environments. Teachers attending this workshop learn how to use standard ecological measurement techniques and biological principles to teach their students how to assess and compare different habitats. We provide background information on the natural areas of Fermilab and indigenous species. Be prepared to spend much of the workshop out of doors.

After attending this workshop, teachers may schedule field trips to the Lederman Science Center for their students. During these visits, docents lead students in both lab and field activities from the Particles and Prairies curriculum.

Instructors: Patricia Franzen, Madison Junior High School &
Richard Billings, Glenbard West High School

Fee: $100/teacher. Two semester hours of graduate credit may be arranged.

 


Beneath the Ashes
July 26 and 27, 1999
or
July 29 and 30, 1999
8:30 am- 5:00 pm
Grades 3 - 5

Imagine walking into a room filled with three-dimensional plants, animals (bison, insects and birds) while listening to the sounds of the prairie.

This adventure introduces you to a ten-day integrated teaching unit about the prairie. Participants receive the instructional unit including transparencies, video-tape, audio tape and supporting materials. This unit of study will allow you to share the prairie with your students in such a way that it will truly come to life. This unit works well with cooperative grouping or with a more traditional approach.

The culminating activity could be a half-day field trip to the Lederman Science Center at Fermilab to explore an actual prairie, forest and live bison herd. Be prepared to spend most of the workshop out of doors.

Instructors: William Fraccaro, Johnson School, District 200 and Bernie Jokiel, Washington Middle School, District 129

Fee: $80.00/teacher. One semester hour of graduate credit may be arranged.

For more information, please contact Spencer Pasero by e-mail at spasero@fnal.gov, or by phone at 630-840-3076.

 


The Journal and Detective Work: One Writer's Story
July 28, 1999
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Gades 3 - 5


Using journal writing, participants explore how nonfiction and research techniques can be improved and expanded. Specific attention will be given to the ways in which students can improve science and natural history observation skills. Participants will also explore how journal writing can improve critical thinking, provide a forum for imaginative inquiry and assist in prewriting and planning for the creation of lively nonfiction.

Instructor: Laurie Lawlor, Author of Addie Across the Prairie and other children's books.
Fee: $30.00/teacher.