Section FAQ

AAPT and DAPT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Posted July 20, 2007

In May 2007, a survey of physics teachers was used to identify possible improvements in the local AAPT section and Denver Area Physics Teachers group (DAPT). From the survey, it became clear that there was some confusion about how two these groups are organized. This FAQ is an attempt to answer those questions.

What is AAPT?
How can I join AAPT?
What do I get with membership in AAPT?
How is the AAPT central office organized?
How is the local section organized?
Who are the members of the Colorado/Wyoming section of AAPT?
What is the DAPT?
How is DAPT organized?
What is the difference between DAPT and AAPT?
What are the benefits of joining DAPT?
Can I volunteer to be more involved in DAPT?
What is DAPEP?
Why can’t I send an email directly to the DAPT email list?
What do I need to do to start my own group?

 
Q. What is AAPT?
A. The American Association of Physics Teachers is the premier international organization promoting physics through education. It is based in College Park, Maryland, and is a partner of the American Institute of Physics (AIP).

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Q. How can I join AAPT?
A. You can join AAPT on by clicking here:
http://www.aapt.org/Membership/join.cfm
Alternatively, you may call the central office at (301) 209-3311. Membership dues vary depending on the journal(s) you select. The association invites all who are interested in promoting physics through teaching to join. Six-month introductory memberships are available for first-time members. Please contact Don Cameron at dbcameron@alumni.northwestern.edu regarding this special offer.

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Q. What do I get with membership in AAPT?
A. Each membership includes at least one journal, the new magazine Interactions Across Physics and Education, access to AAPT member benefits, ability to participate on listservs, discounts in the e-store, discounts for conference and meeting registration, and pride in supporting an outstanding professional organization. You can read more about the journals AAPT offers in the Publications section.

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Q. How is the AAPT central office organized?
A. The central office is located in College Park, Maryland. There is an executive board, paid staff, and many volunteer committees. The committees are made up of AAPT members and include Area Committees, which cover areas of interest such as International Physics, Women in Physics, and Labs. Within the national AAPT, there are local sections that represent geographic regions across North America. These can range from areas within a state to sections that include multiple states. The Colorado/Wyoming (CO/WY) Section represents the interests of this region.
More information on the organization of AAPT can be found here: http://aapt.org/Directory/.
More information on the local sections can be found here: http://aapt.org/Sections/Index.cfm.

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Q. How is the local section organized?
A. In the Colorado/Wyoming section, the leadership comprises a section representative, who serves for two years; a secretary/treasurer, who serves for two years; a president, who serves for one year; and a past president, who serves for one year. Elections are held at the spring meeting of the CO/WY section. You can find your local officers and representatives at http://www.aapt.org/Sections/Map.cfm

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Q. Who are the members of the Colorado/Wyoming section of AAPT?
A. Every member of AAPT who lives in Colorado or Wyoming is a member of the CO/WY Section. The section membership also includes anyone who wishes to receive communication about physics-related activities within the section. Currently, all communication is electronic. If you want to be added to the email list, please contact dbcameron@alumni.northwestern.edu or steve.iona@earthlink.net.

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Q. What is the DAPT?
A. Denver Area Physics Teachers is a local group of physics teachers who share similar interests in learning more about physics pedagogy and content. DAPT is associated with a physics outreach program that had been sponsored by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Denver for more than 50 years. The group is made up of individuals who have attended a DAPT meeting, who have expressed interest in the outreach program offerings, or are AAPT members living in the greater metropolitan Denver area.

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Q. How is DAPT organized?
A. DAPT has a planning group that identifies program options for each year. The University of Denver is the host institution for the meetings. Steve Iona is the director. Approximately 400 people belong to a moderated email list and receive information about local meetings and physics opportunities in the Denver metro area.

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Q. What is the difference between DAPT and AAPT?
A. DAPT is a local group of teachers who participate in physics-related sessions. The CO/WY section of AAPT is a group of physics educators who are interested in promoting physics through teaching. The CO/WY section generally meets twice a year through the region with a program focused on paper presentations. Since anyone interested in physics can become a member of the CO/WY section, all DAPT members are members of the section—but section members who wish to join the national AAPT must pay for AAPT membership.

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Q. What are the benefits of joining DAPT?

A. By joining DAPT, you can share and gain teaching insights. Other benefits being considered include CEU credits, partial membership in AAPT, and a periodic newsletter.

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A. DAPT is directed by Steve Iona and there are always opportunities to present, help organize, and make a difference! The DAPT planning group is always seeking volunteers to take the lead on activities. If you have an interest in sharing content, organizing a meeting, or even ordering lunch, there are opportunities for you. Please contact Steve Iona.

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Q. What is DAPEP?
A. The web presence for DAPT and the CO/WY Section of AAPT can be found at www.dapep.org. This website supports communication between the Denver Area Physics Education Project and AAPT; there is currently no distinction between the email lists for AAPT and DAPT.

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Q. Why can’t I send an email directly to the DAPT email list?
A. The list is moderated to avoid an excess of emails and to avoid spam. There may be some email lists developed in the future that will allow un-moderated mail, but these will be reserved for interest groups.

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Q. What do I need to do to start my own group?
A. The AAPT wants to promote the formation of many small groups within sections; DAPT is one such group or model. If you are interested in starting a group in your area, please contact dbcameron@alumni.northwestern.edu about your interest and to inquire about the next steps. We encourage the formation of groups in geographically convenient areas in the CO/WY section to promote physics through education.

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