Methods of Teaching Physics

Presented by Howard Myers

Veteran AP Physics , Honors Physics, and Regents Physics Instructor, Ossining High School, Ossining , NY

During this four day workshop participants will be actively involved in preparing lessons for the following school year. All topics from the new state syllabus will be covered.  Each day will be divided into 4 distinct sessions.

The instructor will share his favorite demonstrations that are guaranteed to generate interest and enthusiasm in all students.  At the end of the week, all experienced teachers will be asked to share one demonstration that they use and have found to be most successful. Interesting web sites will be explored and shared among the participants.  The teachers will learn how to use the Internet to find and use Physics applets in the classroom. All teachers will compile a list of tested simulations and interactive labs, which can be used free on the Internet. Each afternoon will be devoted to lab activities.  Participants will perform labs using Jell-O and two by fours on the low tech end of the spectrum and a full range of PASCO equipment at the nearly state of the art end.  The labs are designed to have students use real life experiences and science inquiry skills to solve open-ended questions. Teachers will write up one lab activity and share it with the class by the end of the week. Teaching strategies and tips will be a daily ritual each day which will include but not be limited to videos, homework, projects, worksheets, tests, PowerPoint presentations, objectives, dry erase boards, ordering equipment and supplies, magic, and cartoons. Whether this is your first year teaching, or you are an experienced science teacher planning on getting certified in a second area, or you are an experienced physics teacher looking for a few new tricks to liven up your lessons, this is the workshop for you.

Methods of Teaching The Living Environment Curriculum Using Water Quality Studies, Hands-On Activities, and The Internet

Presented by Robert J. Connick Jr.

B.S. in Biology and Chemistry; M.S. in Earth, Space and Environmental Science

Veteran Biology (all levels), Chemistry (Regents and Honors) and AP Environmental Science

Mahopac High School, Mahopac, N.Y.

Target Audience: Living Environment and Environmental Science Teachers

This program is designed to assist instructors in developing lessons that can be taught to their students that involves the use of scientific inquiry using local flora and fauna.  Educators will be lead through a variety of activities that will help them to develop a better understanding of how they can use local ecosystems to enhance their curriculum.  Data that is generated by the teachers will be organized in such a way that it will be able available for them to analyze and manage during the upcoming year.

  Preventing Classroom Discipline Problems

Presented by  Mark Langella

Target Audience:             All Classroom Teachers

Using the Internet in a Curriculum Sequence

This class will focus on Web Site usage and Internet resources.  Many animations and Simulations will be presented, along with related demonstrations, and Internet based lab activities.

Methods of Teaching Predicting Reactions for Chemistry,

Methods of Teaching Phases of Matter and Energy Diagrams

 This class will focus on the complexities of the phase change diagram and how it relates to both matter and energy scenarios and exam questions.  Laboratory experiments will be done related these concepts, as well as appropriate demonstrations.

Methods of Teaching Electrochemistry and Electrolysis

 This class will focus on both Voltaic and Electrolytic sells and how they relate to Red ox problems.  Discussion of exam questions and theory will also be included.  Laboratory experiments will be done related these concepts, as well as appropriate demonstrations.

Methods of Teaching Kinetics and Equilibrium

 This class will focus on the complexities of Kinetics and Equilibrium units at the Regents and Honors levels of chemistry.  Laboratory experiments will be done related these concepts, as well as appropriate demonstrations.

New Chemistry Teacher Training

This  program is designed for teachers who have less than six years of teaching experience. The goals of the program is to provide the following:

Note- This program is designed to help novice Chemistry  instructors develop methodology and curriculum sequence techniques.

Methods of Teaching Biology using Zoology

The activities-based course provides information on teaching zoology with or without live animals in the classroom. The course will provide participants with various activites that enhance student understanding and knowledge of many different animals from around the world. The activities will reflect the following topics over a four Saturday period:

* Topic 1: Introduction Activities, Invertebrate Zoology, Animals that are inexpensive for lab/activity use (live animal demonstrations)
* Topic 2 : Animal Physiology , Evolutionary Relationships, Endangered Species Activities (includes live animal demonstrations)
* Topic 3: Animal Behavior, Pack Behavior, Mammals (includes live animal demonstrations)
* Topic 4: Using Reptiles and Amphibians in your curriculum (includes live animal demonstrations)
(each area will include experimental work to support the concepts)

Both experienced and novice Biology teachers can benefit from this program.

Methods of Teaching Earth Science

While Earth Science encompasses Geology, Meteorology and Astronomy, the topics of Astronomy will be the focus of this week long workshop.  New York State Curriculum requirements will be addressed.

Topics will include stellar evolution (the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram), stellar radiation output rates, the Universal Expansion Theory, parallax, creating and interpreting impact basins, as well as the Moon’s orbit, phases and eclipses. 

Each topic will be presented through a variety of laboratory experiences and  Interactive internet lessons. Teachers will have  the opportunity  to create and modify lessons for their own classrooms. 

Throughout the week teaching methods and strategies will be shared through worksheets and  laboratory activities.  The  identification of necessary equipment, materials, and internet websites / animations will be shared.

Using Organic Chemistry to Teach Concepts in General Chemistry

Presented by 

Dr. Robert Gamper, Veteran AP Chemistry and Honors Chemistry Instructor, Immaculate High School, Danbury, Connecticut

This program will provide an opportunity for high school  Chemistry/ Biology teachers to observe significant teaching demonstrations using Organic Chemistry to teach general topics in basic and advanced chemistry.

Topics to be covered will include: 

(each area will include experimental work to support the concepts)

Methods of Teaching Biology (Zoology, Behavior, Evolution, Embryology and Differentiated Presentation)

Presented by 

The PWISTA Biology Teacher Team- Composed of Veteran Biology Teachers ,

Headed by Alan Gardner

Veteran AP Biology and Honors Biology Instructor,

New Rochelle HS, New Rochelle ,  New York

This one week summer institute will provide an opportunity for high school biology " Living Environment " teachers to observe significant teaching demonstrations and to review with presenters a variety of topics covered in Biology.

The institute will provide information and materials to participating teachers that will:

Topics to be covered will include: 

·         Zoology

·         Animal Behavior

·         Evolution

·         Embryology

·         Methods of Differentiated Presentation

(each area will include experimental work to support the concepts)

Methods of Teaching Biology Series ( Botany and Genetics)

Presented By Alan Gardner,

 AP Biology Instructor, 

Topics in Botany, Mendelian Genetics, and Molecular Genetics will be the foci of discussion. Teaching techniques, laboratory investigations, and content information appropriate for Advanced Placement and Honors Biology courses will be presented. Handouts for use in classrooms will be provided. 

Exam essays and testing objectives will be overviewed as part of discussion. Botany will include a discussion of plant evolution, alternation of generation life cycles, and plant physiology. 

Plants will serve as model organisms for Mendelian genetics problems and breeding experiments. 

An in-depth study of DNA synthesis, transcription, translation, restriction enzyme analysis, and electrophoresis.

Included will be a one day program of newly developed molecular biology experiments presented by the Fisher Biological Supply Company.

 Methods of Teaching Intermolecular Attractions

Methods of Using Micro scale Technology for Titrations  and Thermo chemistry Labs

New Chemistry Teacher Training Program

Presented by the PWISTA Team

The program consists of a Four day Workshop totaling 30 hours of training. Each day will be focused to specific areas of the chemistry curriculum.

Preventing Classroom Discipline Problems

Teaching Methodology Classes

Elementary Science Programs

Presented by Dr. Helen Pashley

Science Notebooks

 Using science notebooks can have a dramatic effect on student science process skills and literacy. Just as “Writers Workshop” has students developing their writing as an author does, a science notebook replicates how scientists really record their work. This workshop will cover how to set a notebook up, how to encourage student observation, technical drawing, data recording, and conclusion writing. Teachers will create great writing prompts and learn how to assess student progress. This topic was one of the threads at the 2008 NSTA conference in Boston. Find out why so many Districts are now adopting notebooks in science K-12 by creating your own.

Using Digital Cameras and Computer Based Technology to Create Books

In this workshop participants will learn to use digital cameras effectively to capture images, use photo editing software and publish books for their own classroom use. Examples of how I created my own books will be demonstrated. The bulk of the session will be allocated for teachers to write and share their own books.

Prerequisite: Participants should have a working knowledge of basic computer skills

Developing Science Centers for Science 21 lessons

Many teachers have traditionally used center activities in the elementary classroom. This workshop will explore creating science centers to extend your current curriculum.

Teachers will identify suitable self-contained activities, materials, layout, and develop student response sheets.

 Teaching elementary energy concepts with toys

 Teaching energy to elementary students is daunting, however using toys to demonstrate the key ideas can make this topic fun and less intimidating. This workshop will cover how to introduce types of energy, energy changes and work to your students.

 Inquiry Science

 Science thinking is a way of approaching the world around you. It is what is essential for professional scientists. Genuine inquiry gives you the skills to investigate that world. Many current curricula are scripted, and do not allow students to develop the scientific thinking necessary for original investigations. This workshop will cover how to infuse inquiry into your science lessons, questioning techniques to facilitate inquiry, developing a strong investigational component to lessons and promoting original thinking.    

Teacher Conference Day Programs

Chromatography Training

We can provide lessons on the use of Chromatography Equipment for use in your classroom labs and demonstrations. These lessons include HPLC and GC lessons.

Spectroscopy Training

We can provide training in the use of IR, UV-Vis Spectroscopy for applications in your science curriculum.

Technology Training

We can provide individualized training services for implementing the use of Vernier Technology applications for use in your Science Curriculum.

Program Consulting Services

We can provide individualized consulting services on program development for AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Environmental, AP US History, AP English Lit and many others.

Instructor:  Mark Langella, currently an AP* Chemistry instructor at Mahopac High School in New York.   Mark Langella has over 18 years of experience teaching AP* Chemistry and is a College Board AP* Chemistry consultant as well as a College Board workshop coordinator.  He has ten  years of experience mentoring new AP* Chemistry instructors and has worked for CIBA as a consultant for educational programs since 1990.  He is also the founder and director of the Putnam/Westchester Industry and Teacher Alliance and has been a coordinating board member of both the SUNY Purchase Alliance of Chemistry Educators (1990-2000) as well as the Teaching Center at SUNY Purchase (1999-2002). He is also author of published experimental kits and AP* chemistry labs for FLINN Scientific. He was selected as  Alliance of Chemical Engineers, Teacher of the Year in 1995, Manhattan College Sigma XI, Science Teacher of the Year 1994, and  Yonkers Public Schools, Technology Teacher of the Year in 1994.

David Baruch - Chemistry teacher at Carmel High School in Carmel, New York

David has over 12 years of teaching experience and has taught Regents, Non-Regents, Chem Comm, Honors and AP Chemistry.  David has also been a research industry chemist and has worked for Eastman Kodak, Xerox and Ciba-Geigy.