Physics Modules  

Middle School Modules

This is the first module of any science training series.  It will be presented to a mixed audience of middle school and high school teachers. It explores the layout of the guides and emphasizes the philosophies and strategies we employ.  Participants will develop the concept of experimental design by performing selected activities from the middle grades, biology, chemistry and physics courses.

This module will explore activities from the Middle Grades Life and Earth and Middle Grades Chemistry and Physics guides that demonstrate the many ways that students are asked to deal with numbers in the science classroom.  Concepts such as measurement, error, significant digits, and numerical relationships will be discussed and demonstrated.

This module will explore activities from the Middle Grades Life and Earth and Middle Grades Chemistry and Physics guides that emphasize students’ abilities to create and interpret meaning from graphical representations of data. A look at the graphing skills required by AP* students and a discussion of proper graphing techniques will be presented.  Participants will have the opportunity to perform some activities that incorporate graphing skills into the middle school classroom.

Module Four

Rate

This module will explore activities from the Middle Grades Life and Earth and Middle Grades Chemistry and Physics guides that emphasize the variety of instances where rate can be explored in the middle school classroom.  Rate is a common theme among all AP science exams, and its introduction and development in the middle school classroom can help lay a strong conceptual foundation.

Module Five

Patterns

This module will explore activities from the Middle Grades Life and Earth and Middle Grades Chemistry and Physics guides that emphasize patterns in science.  The topics addressed include taxonomy, genetics, periodic trends, and lunar phases.  Participants will perform activities to better visualize and apply these topics in the middle grades classroom.

This module will explore activities from the Middle Grades Chemistry and Physics guide that apply to all middles grades’ classes.   As matter and density are explored, the topics will be related to life and earth science topics, as well as AP biology, chemistry and physics classes.

Module Seven

Evolution and Energy

This module will explore activities from the Middle Grades Life and Earth and Middle Grades Chemistry and Physics guides spending part of the day focused on predator/prey relationships and genetics and the second part of the day focused on work, power, and energy.  Participants will spend the day completing hands on activities that explore real-life topics.

Module Eight

Environmental Human Impact

This module will explore activities from the Middle Grades Life and Earth guide that emphasis the impact we have on our environment.  Current topics such as global warming and pollution will be discussed and studied.  Participants will see how simple changes can affect the impact they have on the world around them.

Biology Modules

Module One

Introduction to Laying the Foundation through Experimental Design

This is the first module of any science training series.  It will be presented to a mixed audience of middle school and high school teachers. It explores the layout of the guides and emphasizes the philosophies and strategies we employ.  Participants will develop the concept of experimental design by performing selected activities from the middle grades, biology, chemistry and physics courses.

Module Two

Chemistry of Life and Cells I

Pre-AP Biology teachers will explore introductory activities from the Biology guide that involve the chemistry of life. Over the course of the training sequence, these topics will be revisited and explored in depth each year.  This module will investigate the four major classes of biomolecules along with enzyme structure and function.  An introduction to cellular structure and surface area-to-volume relationships will also be explored and discussed.

Module Three

DNA, Genetics and Animals I

Pre-AP Biology teachers will explore introductory activities from units on DNA, Mendelian genetics and animal systems.  Over the course of the training sequence, these topics will be revisited and explored in depth each year. This first group of activities will explore Mendelian inheritance principles in maize, extract DNA from plants, and use graphing calculators to simulate Mendelian inheritance patterns.  An activity comparing endotherms and ectotherms will emphasize the importance of incorporating computational activities in the biology classroom.

Module Four

Plants, Ecology and Evolution I

Pre-AP Biology teachers will explore introductory activities from units on plants, ecology and evolution.  Over the course of the training sequence, these topics will be revisited and further developed.  This first group of activities will compare monocots and dicots with respect to stem and stomate structure and function, simulate natural selection, and identify the photosynthetic component of plants

Module Five

Measurement and Statistics

Pre-AP Biology teachers will discuss and develop student skills related to measurements and statistics in the biology classroom.   Lessons will be explored that incorporate microscopes and graphing calculators.  Data analysis and it’s inclusion in laboratory reports will also be addressed.

Module Six

Chemistry of Life and Cells II

Pre-AP Biology teachers will investigate the laws of thermodynamics and kinetics as they relate to the biology classrooms.  In addition to traditional wet labs, LTF lessons will incorporate probeware and modeling techniques as they explore enzyme catalysis and membrane structure.

Module Seven

Cellular Processes and Animal Adaptations

In this second look at DNA, Genetics and animals participants will explore lessons related to endotherms and ectotherms and other animal adaptations.  Participants will perform an introductory gel electrophoresis and discuss the implications of DNA fingerprinting.

Module Eight

Plants and Ecology

The plant lessons for this module will investigate plant transpiration and pigment chromatography.  Participants will also discuss and explore the response and interactions of organisms with their environment as well as population studies.

Chemistry Modules

Module One

Introduction to Laying the Foundation through Experimental Design

This is the first module of any science training series.  It will be presented to a mixed audience of middle school and high school teachers. It explores the layout of the guides and emphasizes the philosophies and strategies we employ.  Participants will develop the concept of experimental design by performing selected activities from the middle grades, biology, chemistry and physics courses.

Module Two

Graphing Calculators and Data Collection Devices

Pre-AP Chemistry teachers will explore the use of TI graphing calculators and data collection devices in the chemistry classroom.   A step-by-step guide to using the calculator and data collection device will be examined and practice activities will be performed.

Module Three

Atomic Structure

Pre-AP Chemistry teachers will explore lessons from the LTF Chemistry guide that develop the concepts of matter and atomic structure.  The discussion portion of the day will develop student friendly methods for teaching electron configurations, orbital notation and quantum numbers.  Participants will perform two simple activities that integrate algebra and graphing skills into this unit of study.

Module Four

Bonding and Nomenclature

Pre-AP Chemistry teachers will explore lessons from the Chemistry guide that focus on bonding and nomenclature topics.  The discussion portion of the day will address teaching students to draw Lewis structures, determine molecular geometries, and write correct chemical formulas.  Two activities will be performed that investigate the importance of intermolecular forces and the geometry of molecules.

Module Five

Mathematics and the Periodic Table

Pre-AP Chemistry teachers will discuss mathematical problem solving strategies in chemistry and investigate relationships between elements on the periodic table.  Both traditional wet and dry labs will be explored with the intention of solidifying student understanding of periodic trends and their role in chemical behavior. An examination of AP* style questions and common student misconceptions will further develop the strategies that can be implemented to facilitate student success.

Module Six

Intermolecular Forces and  Condensed States of Matter

Pre-AP Chemistry teachers will use a variety of techniques to explore intermolecular forces and the solid and liquid states.  Computer simulations, probeware, and traditional lab activities will all be utilized.  A discussion of common student misconceptions and strategies to overcome those obstacles will also be developed.  Examining Pre-AP assessments will serve to assist participants in better preparing their students for the expectations of AP science.

Module Seven

Thermodynamics

Pre-AP Chemistry teachers will review concepts in thermodynamics and apply them to problem solving and laboratory experiments.  Investigations using probeware and traditional laboratory equipment will be explored with emphasis on developing the conceptual framework necessary for successful problem solving.

Module Eight

Assessment and Kinetics

Pre-AP Chemistry teachers will spend time examining specific assessment strategies that can be implemented in the Pre-AP classroom to prepare students for AP exams.  Reading of actual student samples from the 2008 LTF Chemistry End Of Course exam will help participants identify student misconceptions and emphasize the finer points of assessment development.  In addition to developing participants’ assessment skills, instruction in chemical kinetics and a traditional clock reaction experiment will also be included.

Physics Modules

Module One

Introduction to Laying the Foundation through Experimental Design

This is the first module of any science training series.  It will be presented to a mixed audience of middle school and high school teachers. It explores the layout of the guides and emphasizes the philosophies and strategies we employ.  Participants will develop the concept of experimental design by performing selected activities from the middle grades, biology, chemistry and physics courses.

Module Two

What is Pre-AP Physics and Kinematics I?

Pre-AP Physics teachers will explore physics lessons that focus on constant and changing motion.  Emphasis will also be placed on developing a curriculum system in order to accomplish the goals for teaching the Pre-AP Physics course.  Example calendars, scopes and sequences and objectives will be discussed.  Problem solving will be demonstrated and practiced using both AP and Pre-AP level problems.  Probes and data collection devices will be used to collect and analyze data.

Module Three

Developing Skills and Mechanical Waves

Pre-AP Physics teachers will explore student lessons that focus on both longitudinal and transverse wave motion.  Participants will investigate waves in a string, a spring and ripple tank as well as determine the speed of sound in air.  This session will also emphasize graphing calculators, graphing skills, problem solving skills and ways to administer and evaluate labs.

Module Four

Using the Tools—Electricity and Magnetism I

Pre-AP Physics teachers will explore student lessons that introduce electrostatics and electric circuits.  Participants will map an electric field and examine equipotential and electric field lines as well as build and investigate various types of circuits involving light bulbs and resistors in both series and parallel circuits.  Methods for resolving circuits and for the formulation of Ohm's Law will be discussed and practiced.  Emphasis will also be placed on data collection and display devices.

Module Five

Kinematics-2 Dimensional Motion-Impulse and Momentum

Pre-AP* Physics teachers will investigate kinematics, 2 dimensional motion, momentum and impulse. Experiments exploring acceleration in one and two dimensions will be performed emphasize graphing and vector activities to enhance understanding and development of concepts.  Exercises which strengthen problem solving and analysis of motion will be examined and practiced.  Additional problem solving activities and assessments will be provided in order to show the expected levels for Pre-AP and the relationship to AP* Physics.

Module Six

Dynamics-Work, Power and Energy

Pre-AP Physics teachers will explore dynamics, Newton’s laws, free body diagrams, work, power and energy.  Teachers will perform experiments using carts and ramps and use technology to investigate Newton’s 2nd Law and the effects of friction.  A roller coaster lab will be used to develop concepts of work, power and energy.  The day will include practice with free body diagrams and their importance in problem solving.

Module Seven

Waves and Sound-Light and Optics

Pre-AP Physics teachers will examine the concepts of waves, sound, light and optics.  Labs will be performed to determine the speed of sound in the laboratory and to investigate wave properties of reflection, refraction and diffraction of waves and light.  These will involve optics experiments using lenses, mirrors and water.  Practice with ray diagrams and computer simulations for lenses and mirrors will be included in the day’s activities.  Example homework activities will be provided as well as a discussion of assessments and the relation of the day’s activities to Pre AP and AP Physics.

Pre-AP Physics teachers will investigate electricity, magnetism and modern topics.  Labs will include building a capacitor and measuring its capacitance, constructing a circuit involving resistors and capacitors, and the effects of current on magnetic fields.  Exercises on right hand rules and a discussion of magnetic fields and their effect on moving charges will be included.  Example homework activities will be provided as well as a discussion of assessments and the relation of the day’s activities to Pre AP and AP Physics.