Science Victoria
Other Professional Learning Events
Physics Workshops
Professional development workshop series in physics to assist teachers of middle years 5 - 8, and inexperienced teachers of physics years 9 - 10.
- Are you a teacher of science in the middle-years (5-8) or lower secondary years (7-10), wondering how to engage students in learning the basics of physics?
- Do your students find it hard to see how physics ideas relate to their experiences outside the classroom?
- Do you wish your students were asking more questions about physics topics?
- Do you feel your own physics background has not prepared you well for teaching some physics topics?
- Would you like to feel more confident about your own understanding of the physics in your school’s science curriculum?
These one-day workshop are designed for you!
(They may also be suitable for teachers of year 11 physics who do not have a strong physics background.)
How to register
Register now: Send a Registration form to STAV with a purchase order or payment.
Interactions: Making sense of Newton's laws of motion Newton’s Laws of Motion epitomise the essence of physics: three simple axioms that together account for all the mechanical interactions in our experiential world, and yield elegant mathematical predictions. Yet for many people they also represent everything that is most impenetrable and abstract in physics. In this workshop we will look for the meaning behind the archaic expressions of these laws, and explore their ramifications for understanding everyday experiences such as skateboard riding and trampoline jumps. This workshop is intended for teachers of years 5-10 science who wish to develop their own conceptual understanding; the concepts are presented at the level of year 9 – 11 students. Some pedagogical implications of the axiomatic nature of the concepts will be considered, including the year levels at which the concepts can be meaningfully addressed, the limited scope for hands-on activities that contribute to students’ conceptual understanding in this topic, and the consequent need for alternative strategies for engaging student interest. The workshop may also be useful for teachers of year 11 physics who have limited experience teaching at this level, and/or have limited formal background in physics. STAV asks that teachers enrol for this workshop only if they will participate in the whole day. More information about what's included and comments from previous participants. This workshop is offered on: 15 October 2010 Cost: STAV Individual Members $100 (incl. GST); Non-members & subscribers $120 (incl. GST) Time: 9.00am – 4.30pm Venue: STAV House, 5 Munro Street, Coburg Presenter: Christina Hart How to register Send a registration form to STAV with a purchase order or payment. |
Modelling electricity: from batteries to power stations Students enjoy setting up electric circuits, but even simple circuits can raise curly conceptual questions. If teachers are apprehensive about such questions, they may resort to teaching equations that obscure the fascination and relevance of electricity in students’ lives. In this workshop we will explore some models that allow us to interpret what is happening and make simple predictions without using equations. The journey takes us from batteries to the state power-supply system. This workshop is intended for teachers of years 5-10 science who wish to develop their own conceptual understanding; the concepts are presented at the level of year 9 – 11 students. Some pedagogical implications will be considered, including the place of models in science learning and in science generally, and the year levels at which the concepts can be meaningfully addressed. The workshop may also be useful to teachers of year 11 physics who have limited experience teaching at this level, and/or have limited formal background in physics. STAV asks that teachers enrol for this workshop only if they will participate in the whole day. More information about costs, what's included and comments from previous participants. This workshop is offered on: Friday 5 November 2010 Cost: STAV Individual Members $100 (incl. GST); Non-members & subscribers $120 (incl. GST) Time: 9.00am – 4.30pm Venue: STAV House, 5 Munro Street, Coburg Presenter: Christina Hart How to register Send a registration form to STAV with a purchase order or payment. |
In-house small group sessions for:
- ICT in science
- Science Talent Search
- Physics: Newton's Laws of motion; electricity.
Would your school benefit from flexible, in-house instruction or mentoring for ICT in science, physics or Science Talent Search?
STAV is offering opportunities for schools to participate in small group sessions of customised learning in one or all of these areas. You can form a small group of teachers within your own school or in partnership with a neighbouring school. You can participate in a short one or two hour session, a series of three or four sessions or have a mentor visit your classroom to assist you to apply new skills or ideas.
After expressing your interest, STAV will negotiate your requirement, try to source an appropriate educator to suit your needs and develop an appropriate professional learning program. A small but affordable fee will apply and will be determined according to your requirement.
Our aim is to assist both metropolitan and regional schools where possible. If you are interested in participating contact STAV to discuss your ideas:
Phone: 9385 3999; Email Project Officer
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