eNNOUNCER November 2009

eNNOUNCER November, 2009

AAPT National Election Results

The following candidates have been elected as officers for AAPT Executive Board service beginning in 2010: Vice President, Jill A. Marshall; College/University Member-at-Large, Steve L. Shropshire; Treasurer, Paul W. Zitzewitz.

Thanks to all of the nominees and all those who participated in the election process.

The New AAPT.org Goes Live

The AAPT web team has been hard at work on the new, redesigned AAPT.org. It's now live and lots of things have changed! For a run-down of what changed and an explanation of some of the design decisions, take a look at http://www.aapt.org/whatsnew.cfm. Stay tuned for more enhancements and added features to the website!

2010 APS/AAPT Joint Meeting

2010 APS/AAPT Joint Meeting Join your colleagues in the physics community from February 13-17, 2010 at the Washington Marriott, Wardman Park in Washington, D.C. This joint meeting will not only have everything that makes National Meetings so great, but also feature concurrent and jointly planned sessions with the American Physical Society (APS).

Additionally, a special joint plenary session will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13. The session will include input from APS, AAPT, the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) and the National Society of Hispanic Physicists (NSHP).

If you are interested in reaching a large community of science educators, consider exhibiting at the 2010 APS/AAPT Joint Meeting. http://aapt.org/Events/wm2010/exhibits.cfm

Participate in the 2010 APS/AAPT Joint Job Fair in Washington, DC. Register now to recruit or be recruited at this exciting event: http://www.aapt.org/Events/wm2010/jobfair.cfm

Submit your abstracts here. http://aapt.org/Events/abstractForm.cfm

Registration for the meeting is available at http://www.aapt.org.

Deadline for early bird registration is December 1.

Check the events calendar for future meetings.

http://www.aapt.org/Events/calendar.cfm

2010 Physics Teacher Education Coalition Conference

The 2010 Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PTEC) Conference will be held in Washington, DC, in conjunction with the APS "April" Meeting, the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Winter Meeting, and the National Society of Black Physicists and National Society of Hispanic Physicists meeting. The theme will be Diversity in Physics Education: Preparing Teachers for the 21st Century.
For more information, see www.PTEC.org/conferences/2010

**Give a Physics Teacher… The Physics Teacher…**

…or the American Journal of Physics, or better yet, both. If you're searching for that hard-to-find holiday gift, look no further than a membership in the American Association of Physics Teachers. Perfect for a colleague, friend, or student, your thoughtfulness will last the whole year long. Your recipient will also receive a welcome letter acknowledging your generosity as well as the 2010 AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest calendar. Act now, as these are available only while supplies last. For the gift application, visit our web site at www.aapt.org and use the following link: http://www.aapt.org/Membership/upload/GiftMembership_09.pdf. If you prefer, contact us directly by e-mail at membership@aapt.org or by phone at 301-209-3333. Happy Holidays from AAPT!

Donor Newsletter

AAPT established the awards program to recognize and honor those who have made highly significant contributions to the association, to physics education, and to physics research. The awards program is partly funded by donations from members of AAPT. Highlighted in this Fall Edition of the Donor Newsletter is the Melba Newell Phillips Award. Also in this edition is a reprint of an exceptional article about the U.S. Physics Team. See the Fall Edition of the Donor Newsletter at http://www.aapt.org/Donations/newsletter.cfm

While Jupiter's moons are eternal, these Galileoscopes are going fast!

The Galileoscope is a high-quality, low-cost telescope kit developed for the International Year of Astronomy 2009 by a team of leading astronomers, optical engineers, and science educators. No matter where you live, with this easy-to-assemble, 50-mm (2-inch) diameter, 25- to 50-power achromatic refractor, you can see the celestial wonders that Galileo Galilei first glimpsed 400 years ago and that still delight stargazers today. These include lunar craters and mountains, four moons circling Jupiter, the phases of Venus, Saturn's rings, and countless stars invisible to the unaided eye. Get yours now! LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE. Member price: $24.99 plus $7 shipping - USA only. International members email membership@aapt.org for a pricing quotation.

Looking for the Perfect Gift for Your Favorite Physicist?

The Physics Store has the perfect solution, from fun physics toys to gift books. AAPT members enjoy significant savings on everything from t-shirts to tie pins, bubble ropes to books. Make the Physics Store your first stop for holiday shopping this year.

U.S. Physics Team Fnet=ma Contest Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the U.S. Physics Team selection process known as the Fnet=ma exam. Register now online at: http://www.aapt.org/physicsteam/registration.cfm

The Spacetime Emporium

The Spacetime Emporium is a collection of websites for teaching and learning about relativity. Online exhibits, activities, and papers are included. To find resources, you can browse the collection or search our database by content topic, resource type, or content level.

Here you can find information and resources for anyone interested in Einstein's Special and General Theories of Relativity. There are materials for a wide audience, from the general science reader to specialists in spacetime physics. You may create an account to personalize the Spacetime Emporium, organize resources, suggest additional material, or leave comments.

Section News

North Dakota Section Fall Meeting

The North Dakota Section of the AAPT held its fall meeting in Grand Forks, ND, 23 Oct 09, in conjunction with the North Dakota Education Association (NDEA) Educator's Conference. Members attended a presentation on Dark Matter by University of North Dakota (UND) Astrophysicist, Dr. Wayne Barkhouse (pictured right). The presentation was followed by a business meeting, election of officers, and sharing of demonstrations, labs, and teaching techniques.

Southern Ohio Section Fall Meeting

The Southern Ohio Section held their fall meeting on October 10, 2009 at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH. This meeting was joint with the Ohio Region Section of the American Physical Society.

The day opened with a lively contributed session. The talks were "Rotational Motion – Modeling Style," by Mary Whalen (Olentangy High School), "Measure Up!" by Jason Cervenec (Thomas Worthington High School) and Brian Geniusz (Worthington Schools), "Through Time with Galileo: The 2009 SPS Outreach Catalyst Kit," by Mary Elizabeth Mills (Miami University), "Resilience of Astronomy Misconceptions," by Jennifer Blue and Adam Hicks (Miami University), "Grading to Encourage Expert-Like Problem-Solving Behaviors," by Kathleen Harper (Denison University), "Incorporating Other People's Good Ideas Into My Class," by Kevin McChesney (Pickerington High School – Central).

Following the contributed session was a special, unopposed, presentation by Gordon Aubrecht "Celebration of a Life in Physics: E. Leonard Jossem."

The morning ended with parallel workshops: "Teaching with the Contemporary Physics Education Project Chart Nuclear Science," by Gordon Aubrecht and "Links to Chemistry for Physics Teachers," by Jessica Mamais and Elizabeth Kovach (Olentangy Orange High School). After lunch, special guest Jan Tobochnik of Kalamazoo College and editor of the American Journal of Physics presented "What’s in the World," an entertaining look at quantum mechanics utilizing a recent series of letters to the editor.

Calendar of Events: Upcoming Section Meetings

Southern California Section
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Fall 2009 Meeting
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA

Email: Mary Mogge

http://www.csupomona.edu/~scaapt/meetings/2009mtg2fall/program.htm

To list your section meeting in the AAPT Calendar of Events, e-mail the information to mgardner@aapt.org.

In Memoriam

George Patsakos

Emeritus Professor George Patsakos, who retired 2 years ago, passed away on October 27, 2009. His immediate family was with him at the end. George first joined AAPT in 1973. Born in New York City in 1942 to Greek immigrants parents, George grew up in Brooklyn and attended James Madison High School. He graduated from Columbia University and earned his PhD in Physics from Stanford University.

Patsakos was a professor in the Physics Dept. of the University of Idaho for many years, and retired two years ago. He was liked and respected by his students and peers. A true scholar with a very sharp mind., he helped everyone with his great intellect and very broad knowledge of physics. As a contemporary physicist, he personally met the founding fathers of modern physics such as Heisenberg, Oppenheimer, and Dirac, and roomed with Richard P. Feynman and often entertained the University of Idaho Physics Department with anecdotes of his meetings with these great minds. At a Remembrance Service held 11/5/09 Geroge was remembered as a great physicist, a broad thinking and warm and gentle human being.

Richard Stephen Galik

Cornell University Professor, and long time AAPT member, Richard S. Galik passed away on October 23, 2009. Galik joined the Physics Department at Cornell in 1992. He was a member of the New York State Section of the American Physical Society and an APS Fellow. Galik's was part of the CLEO collaboration which uses data collected at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) to study electron-positron interactions. He participated in the group's efforts in the areas of b/anti-b and c/anti-c resonance spectroscopy and decay. He also worked on R&D for the particle detector of the proposed International Linear Collider. A strong supporter of physics education and a mentor to his students, Galik leaves a legacy of growth and dedication.

LivePhoto Physics Workshops

The LivePhoto Physics project is offering NSF‑funded workshops for university and college faculty interested in using digital video analysis in student research, lectures, tutorials, homework assignments, and laboratories. These 3‑day and 5‑day workshops will cover capture and analysis techniques for a range of topic areas such as mechanics, thermal physics, wave propagation, electricity, magnetism, and optics. The workshop leaders are Bob Teese (Rochester Institute of Technology), Priscilla Laws (Dickinson College), Pat Cooney (Millersville University) and Maxine Willis (Dickinson College).

For more information or an application form: http://livephoto.rit.edu/workshops/

Professional Skills Development Workshops

The American Physical Society will offer one-day workshops for women post-doctoral associates and tenured women faculty in physics, in association with the 2010 APS annual meetings.

Details are now posted at www.aps.org/programs/women/workshops/skills/index.cfm along with information on how to apply.

The Council on Undergraduate Research Hosts a Registry of Undergraduate Researchers

The purpose of this registry is to facilitate matchmaking between undergraduates who have research experience and a desire to pursue an advanced degree, with graduate schools seeking high quality students who are well prepared for research. The Registry is open to students and graduate schools in the fields of Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Physics/ Astronomy, Mathematics/Computer Science, Economics, Geosciences, Engineering, Psychology, Sociology, Humanities and Anthropology/Archaeology. Any undergraduate may go to www.cur.org/ugreg/ to fill out a simple curriculum vitae form. There is no charge to the student and records will be made available to bona fide Graduate Schools that contract with CUR for this service.

Vernier and NSTA Award Thousands to Innovators in Science Education

Each year Vernier Software & Technology and the National Science Teacher's Association (NSTA) present the most innovative science teachers in the country with the Vernier Software & Technology/NSTA Technology Award. The awards, valued at $3000 each, are given to up to seven educators judged to have created the best inquiry-based, hands-on learning activities using data-collection technology interfaced with computers, graphing calculators and other handheld devices such as the Vernier LabQuest.

Up to one elementary teacher, two middle school teachers, three high school teachers and one college-level educator will receive the technology awards. Each award consists of $1000 in cash, $1000 in Vernier equipment, and up to $1000 toward travel and expenses for attending NSTA's 2009 National Convention. Entries are due by November 30, 2009 and will be judged by a panel of experts appointed by NSTA. Educators can be nominated or self-nominate for the awards. Access to the online application and guidelines are available on the Vernier web site at www.vernier.com/grants/nsta.html

First Issue of The Classroom Astronomer

The Classroom Astronomer is a new quarterly PDF and printed publication designed as a practitioner journal for classroom teachers of astronomy. While centered at the high school level, it also provides tips, techniques and informative how-to articles for teachers of grades K-8 and undergraduate college "Astro 101" courses. Our mission is to increase the amount of astronomy in the school systems and improve the skills of teachers. View the current issue at http://classroomastronomer.toteachthestars.net/

The Big Blog Theory

David Saltzberg, physics consultant for the popular television situation-comedy “The Big Bang Theory” which features physicists as its main characters, has a blog about a piece of the science in each episode. His content is aimed at high-school physics students. You can find his blog, The Big Blog Theory at: http://thebigblogtheory.wordpress.com/

Year of Science 2009 Highlights

The Zine-a-thon Contest deadline has been extended to Nov. 15. This contest is open to everyone, so come one, come all! http://www.yearofscience2009.org/about/zine-contest.html

This month YOS2009 celebrates Chemistry. http://www.yearofscience2009.org/themes_chemistry/celebrate/

The Energy Puzzle: A Question of Science, Politics and Communication

Download a free PDF of the October 2009 issue of Physics World, which focuses on the scientific, technical and political issues facing those dealing with energy and climate change. http://physicsworld.com/cws/m/1524/224395/download/oct2009

Physica Phantastica Exhibit

The Perimeter Institute's Physica Phantastica Exhibit features A cloud chamber, quantum computer, 3d theatre, and gyroscope!- Take a closer look at http://www.flickr.com/photos/perimeterinstituteoutreach/sets/72157622600935536/.

Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship

The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship application period officially opens on October 1. K-12 science, math and technology teachers are encouraged to apply for this amazing opportunity. These paid Academic Year Fellowships in Washington, DC Working with Congress or in a Federal Agency. To apply please visit: www.trianglecoalition.org/ein.htm

Exploratorium Celebrates 40th Anniversary in November

In November 2009, the Exploratorium celebrates its 40th anniversary. It was in 1968 that the San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, the last remnant of the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, was restored. Noted physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer, brother of J. Robert (father of the atom bomb), proposed that this cavernous structure house a science museum, or rather, an "Exploratorium." In 1969, with no publicity or fanfare, the Exploratorium opened its doors to display a few exhibits. Today, the Exploratorium is considered the prototype for hands-on museums around the world, and a leader in the movement for museums as educational centers. Many events are being planned (go to www.exploratorium.edu for details):
Nov. 14: Saturday Excursions: Bicycle Science
Nov. 15: Something Incredibly Wonderful Happens: Frank Oppenheimer and the World He Made Up - A Conversation with Author K.C. Cole
Nov. 21: Physics of Toys: A Knack for Snacks

AAPT on Facebook and Twitter

Are you an AAPT Facebook fan? Are you following us on Twitter? Visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Association-of-Physics-Teachers/43948086085?ref=ts and become a fan! Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/physicsteachers. Share these links with your colleagues and help spread the news!

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Links to non-AAPT sites are intended as a service to readers interested in AAPT, physics, and education. These links do not reflect an endorsement of any content or product. Also, due to the evolving nature of websites, some external links referenced in the eNNOUNCER may expire over time.
Thanks for your readership and your support of AAPT.
Copyright © 2009, American Association of Physics Teachers

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