Past Events - 2004 - 2006
The Frontiers of Particle Physics
By Dr. Per Berglund, Physics UNH
Date: Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Time: 5-7 pm
Where: McConnell Hall Room 208
Join us for a very special evening with scientists and science teachers! A light dinner and refreshments will be available. This program is partially supported by the National Science Foundation and the UNH GK-12 Partnerships for Research Opportunities to Benefit Education (PROBE) Scientists in Residence program.
An evening presentation that engages all learners at any age on general relativity, cosmology, elementary particle physics and string theory! Students are excited by these and other modern developments in physics. They are engaging and accessible at many levels through excellent popular science books, such as A Brief History of Time, by Stephen Hawking and The Elegant Universe, by Brian Greene. We will discuss cutting edge topics like particle physics and cosmology. Dr. Beglund's research is in string theory, a theory encompassing the four known forces in nature, gravity, electromagnetism, weak and the strong force. In this, particles are replaced by one-dimensional objects, strings. Although the size of the string is so small that its extension cannot be seen, the various vibrational modes correspond to the known particles in nature, e.g., the electron. String theory requires that spacetime is ten-dimensional (including one dimension for time). Since our world is four-dimensional (three space and one time), the six extra dimensions have to be very small. My work focuses on the properties of the six extra dimensions, and how they determine our own four dimensional universe. These questions are relevant for our understanding of particle physics, general relativity and cosmology.
Advancing Science!
Date: July 11-13, 2006 (optional field trip on Friday, July 14, 2006)
Time:
Where: Science Center at Plymouth State University
Science Technology Institute for participation in the Advancing Science Program
For more details go to our website by clicking on the links above! Yes...we do have fun...come learn with us and the many experienced teachers helping their students to "learn science by doing science!"
Sensors and Probeware for Active Science Learning
For Middle and High School Sciences
Date: Tuesday, Wednesday - July 18-19, 2006
Where: Parsons Hall, UNH, Durham
Cost: $150
Please plan to attend this hands-on workshop showcasing the use and versatility of the sensors or probeware available for science teaching. The workshop will provide active experiences with sensors supporting the NH Science Frameworks' strands: Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth/Space Science from Middle to High School levels. All of the experiments can be integrated with curriculum and provide opportunities for building student-centered, authentic inquiry.
The workshop will include group discussions on the uses, changes, and applications of the laboratory interfaces; focusing on the thinking students are doing, changes in objectives and assessments, adaptations, challenges, and benefits of using these computer-based laboratory systems.
Sample Experiments include:
- Fun with Pressure
- Pressure/Volume/Temperature Relationships with Gases
- Freezing-Point Depression
- A Good Cold Pack
- Acid-Base Titrations
- Photosynthesis & Respiration
- Heating of Land & Water
- Magnetic Field Sensors
- Falling Objects and Graphing Motion
Participants will be able to play and try out a variety of other experiments as well!
NASA Explorer Schools & Rocketry Workshop
For Middle and High School Sciences
Date: Thursday, July 6th, 2006
Where: Kingswood Regional High School
Cost: $25
An informative workshop on rocketry targeted at grades 5-9. This workshop will be held at Kingswood Regional High School on Thursday, July 6th. The session will begin with a discussion of the interdisciplinary nature of model rocketry. Additional presentations will include:
- Newton's Laws of Motion
- Rocket motor codes and launch safety.
- The use of different types of rocket fuel (solild, liquid and hypergolics) will be demonstrated.
- Participants will construct and launch rockets powered by fizz tablets, air, water and model rocket motors.
- Tips and tricks to use when building rockets with classes of students will be discussed.
The cost is $25 for lunch and instrument use for a one week period during the 2006-2007 school year (NH and Southern Maine teachers only).
Hands-on, Minds-on Physical Science
Graduate credits are available for this concept-rich course on physics principles. Experience and learn physics in a collegial atmosphere that exemplifies deep development of ideas and understanding. Activities are appropriate to elementary and middle school classrooms. The course is taught by a high energy physics teacher well versed in the active engagement of learners. This course will be offered this summer to benefit teachers seeking quality experiences in learning. This course can also be used to remedy HQT needs for physics, physical science, and general science certification.
The Science of Stuff
Date: July 24-28th, 2006
Time: 9am - 3pm.
Where:University of New Hampshire
Cost: $300
Weeklong institute designed to engage K-8 teachers in active inquiry with materials science. A fun and applications-based science workshop setting that uses chemistry principles to explain the materials around you. A series of follow-up workshops will provide the complete course materials for those in need of physical science courses to meet NH HQT HOUSSE requirements.
KEEPERS Science Camp!
Date: July 24-28th, 2006
Time: 8:30am - 12:30 pm
Come learn with us! Engineering activities for science inquiry and design skills. Kids Eager for Engineering Program with Elementary Research-based Science is a weeklong adventure in engineering. The program provides a half-day of content strengthening to learn about the science that supports the various engineering fields and a half-day of active learning with elementary students and the engineering design process. All activities are designed to assist elementary students with developing inquiry and design skills through engineering challenges! The KEEPERS program can be implemented as a summer program in your community! The KEEPERS staff includes University scientists, graduate and undergraduate students, and experienced teachers.
As needed by districts and schools seeking new tools for curriculum support at all levels:
- Looking at Student Assessment and Achievement - Using Cognitive Demand Coding with comparisons to NH Mathematics GLEs and Science Standards.
- Surveys of the Enacted Curriculum - Mathematics surveys are free to all NH school districts until August, 2005 - district surveys and coding are available at modest costs.
- Mathematics and Science Study Groups - Our curriculum experts are available to assist school-based groups in the development of learning communities dedicated to improving teaching, learning, and understanding!
Inquiry Teaching and Teachers as Science Coaches
June 27th , 2006
Download the Flier!
A special day designed to improve teaching through inquiry-based Learning. We will explore scientific thinking skills and teaching strategies which engage students in active learning. These skills and strategies are integral for the enhancement of students' learning of science content and critical thinking. We will also develop an informative dialog on the newest changes to the New Hampshire Science Frameworks.
Special Guest - Sy Montgomery a naturalist, author, and radio commentator who participates in research expeditions and writes for children as well as adults. Among her award-winning books are Journey of the Pink Dolphins, Spell of the Tiger, and Search for the Golden Moon Bear.
This is partially supported by NSF and the GK-12 PROBE Project!
Students as Animators
May 1 , 2006
Download the Flier!
Special workshop in collaboration with UNH GK-12 PROBE Project, Tufts Center for Engineering Outreach, and Christa McAuliffe Awardee Bill Church: A workshop designed to assist K-12 teachers with the tools, methods, and strategies to engage students in active science learning through animation. Bill Church (2005 Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical Awardee) Physics/Physical Science at Littleton High School and Brian Gravel from the Tufts University Center for Engineering Education Outreach will assist teams of teachers and students in developing animation as a learning tool for science!
Students as Researchers
December 2, 2005
Download the Flier!
Special workshop in collaboration with UNH GK-12 PROBE Project, Colby-Sawyer College and the NH Science & Engineering Exposition to familiarize middle and high school science teachers with current project-based teaching strategies that move the inquiry from the teachers to the students! Special sessions from introducing skills to montioring projects and setting up your own school-based science fair!
Mentoring: Models Developing and Implemented in New Hampshire Schools
November 17, 2005, 4-6 pm
Download the Flier!
Announcing a special panel presentation on the diversity of mentoring programs at work in New Hampshire schools. Sponsored by NH MaST Coalition.
Contact the SEE Science Center at 603-669-0400.
Inquiry Teaching & Learning
February 16, 2005
Special Discussions led by the GK-12 PROBE Fellows and Teachers, special presentations on authentic inquiry and teaching given by Dr. Fiona McDonnell, Rivier College and Dr. Elizabeth Cavicchi, MIT.
Standards & Research-based Programs for High School Sciences (GK-12 PROBE)
December 7, 2004
Seminar on Cognition & Learning with Dr. Edward O'Brien (GK-12 PROBE)
November 10, 2004