Neutron Star Merger, Student Perceptions, and a Rolligon
The big physics news this week was, of course, the announcement of the detection of a neutron star merger by LIGO, VIRGO, and a host of observatories. The detection is a really big deal: it gives confirmation that the gravitational wave detectors and collision models are working as we expect, it provides a effective new way to get estimates of the distance scale of the universe, it validated models about heavy element nucleogenesis, it may resolve the mystery of gamma-ray bursts, it confirmed that gravitational waves travel at the speed of light, and more. Veritasium does a good video, as always, if you need something bite-sized to show students.
There is an interesting article about high school students' perceptions of careers in the "hard sciences" in the International Journal of Science Education. The authors suggest that some students continue to hold stereotypes about science being an isolating career, and that others who choose not to pursue a career in science are driven more by a desire for social interaction and societal contributions. It's an interesting read, and is a good reminder that we need to talk about careers, visit workplaces, or connect with guest speakers when we can.
The Perimeter Institute has released a series of five posters of influential women in physics. If they fit your aesthetic and you have access to a large-format color printer, these posters could be a great addition to the classroom.
Physics Today has an interesting and comprehensive article about the ongoing US effort to build a safe home for decades of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. I think it does a good job of presenting different perspectives, and would be a good resource if your curriculum includes discussion about nuclear power.
In the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the chasm between indigenous knowledge and physics culture is broad, and problematic. Thus it was good to read this report from a 2015 conference on indigenous worldviews in informal science education in this month's issue of The Physics Teacher (although surprising that it took so long to print).
Did you know that an hourglass's weight changes when it is flowing? I didn't. This article in the American Journal of Physics from the start of the year presents and demonstrates a model. It's a good picture of science in action, although the math might be a beyond the scope of a high school student.
Marta Stoeckel is doing a great job of documenting her classes on her 180 blog. There's so much effective teaching happening here.
If you are, or know, a STEM teacher in their first two years of teaching in the USA, I'd recommend applying for a Knowles Fellowship. The deadline in 26 November. I've always been impressed with the program and its fellows: it's a superb way to get your teaching career started.
If you're working with NGSS and worried about equity, Philip Bell gave a really good talk this weekend (well, that's what I've heard). His slides are here.
Finally, seen online: Patrick Kaplo has a fidget spinner and a photogate, Evan Weinberg is using Procreate to make better tutorial videos, and this Rolligon gif went viral (backstory).
There is an interesting article about high school students' perceptions of careers in the "hard sciences" in the International Journal of Science Education. The authors suggest that some students continue to hold stereotypes about science being an isolating career, and that others who choose not to pursue a career in science are driven more by a desire for social interaction and societal contributions. It's an interesting read, and is a good reminder that we need to talk about careers, visit workplaces, or connect with guest speakers when we can.
The Perimeter Institute has released a series of five posters of influential women in physics. If they fit your aesthetic and you have access to a large-format color printer, these posters could be a great addition to the classroom.
Physics Today has an interesting and comprehensive article about the ongoing US effort to build a safe home for decades of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. I think it does a good job of presenting different perspectives, and would be a good resource if your curriculum includes discussion about nuclear power.
In the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the chasm between indigenous knowledge and physics culture is broad, and problematic. Thus it was good to read this report from a 2015 conference on indigenous worldviews in informal science education in this month's issue of The Physics Teacher (although surprising that it took so long to print).
Did you know that an hourglass's weight changes when it is flowing? I didn't. This article in the American Journal of Physics from the start of the year presents and demonstrates a model. It's a good picture of science in action, although the math might be a beyond the scope of a high school student.
Marta Stoeckel is doing a great job of documenting her classes on her 180 blog. There's so much effective teaching happening here.
If you are, or know, a STEM teacher in their first two years of teaching in the USA, I'd recommend applying for a Knowles Fellowship. The deadline in 26 November. I've always been impressed with the program and its fellows: it's a superb way to get your teaching career started.
If you're working with NGSS and worried about equity, Philip Bell gave a really good talk this weekend (well, that's what I've heard). His slides are here.
Finally, seen online: Patrick Kaplo has a fidget spinner and a photogate, Evan Weinberg is using Procreate to make better tutorial videos, and this Rolligon gif went viral (backstory).