Reading, LGBT+ Inclusivity, and Advice for Ireland

Students need to learn how to read science texts and we have a responsibility to teach them how to do that. In a recent paper, Patterson et al make this argument and present some approaches teachers could use, including examples such as activating prior knowledge before reading, supporting reflective reading, and post-reading discussions. It's an important point worth keeping in mind when we plan curricula for next year.

Two physics news stories have been in the headlines over the past week: clamour about Stephen Hawking's last paper, which was blown way out of proportion and isn't significant; and the re-start of the LHC for its final data run before a length upgrade process.

If you'll be in Washington, DC, USA this July (maybe for the AAPT summer meeting) consider attending the fantastic High School Physics Teachers Camp. And while you're at it, come to my AAPT workshop (with Kelly O'Shea) about grouped practical assessments the previous day!

The second edition of the LGBT+ Inclusivity Best Practices Guide has been published. It's essential reading for post-secondary physics and astronomy departments.

There's a great piece in the Irish Times, with advice for Ireland, about how the UK has seen some success in addressing physics teacher shortages. There may be some useful lessons here.

Seen on the web:
Moses Rifkin's students explain why we should talk about race in physics class.
Jason Goodman has a great practical for angular mechanics.
Matt Blackman shared this dubbed video of what happens when high voltage meets oil.
Trevor Register is excited about the new upload-your-own-video feature of Pivot Interactives.
Kunal Pujara has a great demo for wave motion.
Andrew Hutcheson has a great momentum conservation practical.
Frank Noschese has a "Watts in the box?" practical and an oscillating filament.
Erkan Polatdemir demos fluorescence with a marker and a laser.
Corey Powell shared this beautiful video from the Rosetta spacecraft.
The May edition of the APS News is a good read.
The Physics Girl has a great video about bouncing tic-tacs.
I appreciated this reflection on microaggressions and bias by the anonymous Woman of Science.