The following is information about Project PHYSLab 2001, a summer training program for physics teachers to learn more about using computers and probes in physics instruction. I attended nearly 5 years ago, and it remains the best professional development sessions I've ever been a part of. I highly recommend you apply! More info: <http://www.users.qwest.net/~lherr/physinfo.htm> -ML -- Michael Lach Chicago Public Schools Project PHYSLab 2001 Information ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Since 1992, Project PHYSLab has prepared high school physics teachers to apply computer-based technology to instruct students in the fundamental concepts of physics.� In these three-week summer workshops, the participating teachers work with Microcomputer-Based Laboratory (MBL) sensors to measure physical properties such as motion, force, acceleration, sound, temperature, magnetic fields, etc.� Project PHYSLab provides the participants with a wide variety of physics-related software to analyze the data collected with the MBL sensors.� The MBL hardware and software are integrated into a series of demonstrations and experiments teachers can use with their students to teach fundamental scientific ideas.� The participating teachers work through the workshop experiments just as their students will during the following academic year. In 1992 through 1996, the Project PHYSLab workshop was conducted at The Catlin Gabel School in Portland, OR.� Due to the escalating demand to attend this workshop and increased funding from the National Science foundation (NSF) to 'nationalize' this workshop, in 1997 we began operating workshops in Omaha, NE and Palo Alto, CA in addition to the original site at The Catlin Gabel School.� During the summer of 2001, we will be operating one more workshop in Portland, OR during the first three weeks in July.� The application deadline is February 28, 2001. Below are a few representative statements of the overall quality of Project PHYSLab. * "I have been teaching HS physics students for the past 25 years.� Each summer I try to have some professional growth experience.� The Project PHYSLab workshop was the best organized with the best hosts.�� Every teacher, young or old, can learn from the best teachers at Project PHYSLab.�� As a result of my work there, I returned with a new sense of confidence and competence (and new equipment!).� My principals have recently recognized my expertise and have made major improvements in funding the necessary technology." * "I have attended 25 - 30 different workshops over the past years.� I learned more in the PHYSLab workshop than in all the other workshops combined!" * "This was one of the best workshops I've attended." * "I think I have told everyone in the country how great PHYSLab is!� It is one of the best things I have ever done." * "Project PHYSLab was outstanding." * "The best workshop I have attended." For additional reviews go to: http://www.users.qwest.edu/~lherr/reviews.htm While this computer interfacing project focuses on Windows-based and Macintosh computers as the primary platforms for data acquisition and analysis, Project PHYSLab goes beyond computers and interfacing probes.� The emphasis on laboratory work in the high school physics curriculum is paramount in this project.� Innovative laboratory experiments focus on fundamental and subtle concepts that students frequently find difficult.� Many of the experiments are designed to overcome misconceptions students bring to the physics classroom.� In the summer of 1999, the Portland participants worked on nearly 90 experiments.� All participants carefully analyzed 19 experiments.� Conceptual areas of physics covered included:� kinematics, vectors, forces, simple harmonic motion, light intensity, wave theory, magnetism, electric fields, RC circuits, electric circuits, momentum, thermal energy, the Millikan Experiment, Coulomb's Law, kinetic energy, elastic potential energy, sound, gravitational potential energy, plus many others too numerous to mention. We attempt to keep abreast of the latest software and and hardware.� If new materials are introduced this year, we hope to have that equipment available for the 2000 workshop.� For more information, write to the following address or contact Lowell Herr at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lowell G. Herr Project PHYSLab The Catlin Gabel School 8825 S.W. Barnes Road Portland, OR 97225-6599 Dates for 2001 Workshop July 2 - July 20 The workshop will provide a stipend plus food, travel, and housing allowance.� Assume you will incur few if any expenses if you attend this workshop.� Graduate credit is available from the Oregon Graduate Institute for Science & Technology for about $45 per quarter hour up to six quarter credit hours. Three quarter hours equal two semester hours.� We have not made arrangements for graduate credit for the 2001 workshop so this is not a sure part of the program. We will be requesting participants raise $1,000 ( http://www.users.uswest.net/~lherr/grant.htm ) from their local school district, or other sources, to help you purchase equipment for your classroom when you return in the fall.� We recently received notice that we have $1,000 to match your school contribution of $1,000.� For more information, be sure to click on the link above.� If you are serious about attending this workshop, you will be moving immediately to line up your $1,000.� If you cannot raise $1,000, still follow through with your application as it is not a hard and fast rule.� We just think you will be able to put the ideas learned at this workshop to better use if you can go home with some new equipment.� Note:�� Vernier just announced their new interfacing box.� Check it out athttp://www.vernier.com/mbl/labpro.html If you have other questions, send them to me via e-mail.� Request applications through writing or e-mail. If you request an application via e-mail, please send me your surface mailing address.� There are some potential participants who will not receive an application as their e-mail return address does not work and without a "Snailmail" address, I have no way to contact you.� The application deadline is February 28, 2001.� Applications are to be in Portland by March 2, 2001. Teachers must have Internet accounts and it helps to see teachers active on the Internet.� Take time to check out our site at:� http://physlab.catlin.edu and be sure to look at all the links available from this Home Page.� Set up an account on our BBS if you wish to see more about this workshop.� The best way to connect to the BBS is to telnet physlab.catlin.edu and log on as a "new" user (without the quotes).� We are looking for strong administration letters, i.e., administrators willing to support you as you improve your physics curriculum and leaders interested in bringing about change in how science is taught at your school.� Also, be sure to look into the Teacher Equipment Grant part of this project. Instructions on how to get from the Portland International Airport to the Lamplighter Motel can be found at the link listed below. http://www.users.qwest.net/~lherr/max.htm Revised 11/01/00 ---------------- This is the ISTA-talk mailing list. 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