PHYSICAL SCIENCE AT ITS BEST

INSTRUCTOR(S): Larry Scheckel, Tomah High School
GRADE LEVEL: 3-9

An all-new physical science workshop!  Many make-and-take items with all materials supplied or easy to obtain.  We'll work with everything you can do in the classroom with density and the ideas of sinking and floating.  Teachers will make  8 different kinds of Cartesian Divers and learn how to perform 10 density demonstrations and labs.  Participants will investigate exciting labs and presentations with soap bubbles and build a device that shows pressure vs. volume.  Teachers will learn twelve ways to show the concept of air pressure.  The workshop includes bulbs and batteries, capacitors, and LED's.  Build the world's simplest motor and a device to show center of gravity.  Teachers will even make a light bulb in a jar and an airplane powered by a real housefly.  Learn how chemiluminescence (light sticks) work an launch a paper matchstick rocket.

Make science relevant to your students.  The atmosphere in this class is informal and priority is placed on 'stuff' you can apply immediately in your classroom with an emphasis on using easy to obtain and low cost materials to teach the full range of elementary, middle school, and high school science.

Special emphasis is placed on an explanation of science principles.  The constructivist model of learning, technology in the workplace, gender equity issues, critical thinking, classroom cooperation, and alternative assessment techniques are included.  Discover effective means of harnessing students' natural enthusiasm.  Teachers will receive many handouts, plans, and packets.

Return to the classroom in the fall armed with dozens of new ideas.  Students will consider you the most exciting teacher in your building.