Introduction
Modeling Workshops are listed alphabetically by state. Most are three-week summer
workshops that thoroughly treat the pedagogy and content for the mechanics portion
of a physics course or first semester chemistry content. Content is reorganized
around basic models to increase its structural coherence. Participants are supplied
with a complete set of course materials and work through activities alternately
in the roles of student or teacher, as they practice techniques of guided inquiry
and cooperative learning. Teachers receive stipends and/or tuition waivers,
instructional materials, sometimes free housing, etc., at most workshops. (State
funded workshops provide these only for in-state teachers.) Generally, workshops
use whatever probes and interfaces are available at the site.
*Most teachers need at least three weeks of immersion in a Modeling Workshop to begin to transform their teaching, for Modeling Instruction is a complex innovation. Academic year follow-up support can be a partial substitute, as can multiple workshops in two or three successive summers.
Workshop overview and sample instructional
materials.
Workshop syllabi and daily calendar (examples).
Details about most Modeling Workshops nationwide are also at the PTEC website. Workshop organizers update their own information there, so it might be more current than here.
Ask Your School District to
Pay
School District "No Child Left Behind" funds (NCLB or ESEA Title II-A)
can be used for "professional development activities that improve the knowledge
of teachers ... in:
(a) Content knowledge. Providing training in one or more of the core academic
subjects that the teachers teach; and
(b) Classroom practices. Providing training to improve teaching practices and
student academic achievement through effective instructional strategies, methods,
and skills ..."
Modeling Instruction meets the NCLB requirement of "high quality professional development that is based on scientifically-based research."
Charter school teachers and private school teachers are eligible for Title II-A funds through a local education agency (LEA).
Also, "Title II, Part A funds may be used to purchase materials and supplies used in professional development activities, including the materials (such as graphing calculators) that a teacher will need in order to apply the professional development in a classroom setting..." Title II funds may be used to assist teachers in meeting state certification requirements, e.g., by paying for the costs of additional required courses.
Title II-A funds are FEDERAL, and they are stable each year. Next year's funds start on July 1, and you can ask for those funds to pay for modeling workshops that start after June 30.
Your principal is the person to ask; he/she can contact your district
Title II Coordinator and request them. Be courteous; if modeling workshops are
NOT in your district's yearly plan (submitted to the State Department of Education),
then you can be denied those funds -- in which case you need to get involved
in deciding the use of Title II-A funds each year.
We encourage you to download this NCLB guide and give it to your administrator to support your request. The bottom line is: you are probably eligible for NCLB funds, and we suggest that you ask your school or district, at minimum, for financial support for a Modeling Workshop using your local Title II funds. We suggest $1000 as a reasonable amount for teachers to request.
Click here to download a sample grant proposal that should help you obtain funding from your district.
A Modeling Workshop can be an excellent investment for your school because you can become a valuable resource for teaching science effectively with technology!
Get involved in your LEA's needs
assessment and plan, for your long-term benefit.
Note: NLCB (formally called ESEA) might be reauthorized by the U.S. Congress
in 2011.
If you need to apply for a grant outside your school, download a list of funding sources (updated in 2010).
Ask your school district to offer a Modeling Workshop. Give this informational document to your science coordinator or staff developer.
ARIZONA (2012)
Arizona State University - Tempe
As of January 2012, each workshop has openings.
Open to high school and middle school teachers nationwide.
PHS 530: Methods of Physics Teaching I - Full day Modeling Workshop in mechanics.
(June 11-29, 2012). Jeff Steinert & Kelli Gamez Warble, leaders
PHS 531: Electricity & Magnetism. June 11-29. Michael Crofton, leader
CHM 594: Modeling Instruction in High School Chemistry I: (July 2-20). Russ
Shaffer & Levi Torrison, leaders
PHS 594: Modeling Instruction in Physical Science II: motion, force, intro chem,
(June 11-29). Pat Burr & Lee Rodgers, leaders
Contact Jane Jackson, 480-965-8438, or visit ASU Graduate Program for High School Teachers website. We are committed to win-win situations. Call Jane for advice on keeping costs low.
Housing (private room, private bath in furnished apartment): $20/day, we hope.
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
CALIFORNIA (2012)
Carondelet High School (East Bay)
For teachers nationwide.
Dates: June 18-29, Mon-Fri 8:00-4:00 (4 optional Saturdays during school year)
Content: mechanics
Peer Leaders: Don Yost, Lee Trampleasure
Cost: TBD ($100 to $300)
Optional graduate credit
Housing available
Contact: Lee Trampleasure 510-495-7035 Lee@trampleasure.net
FLORIDA (funded by the National Science Foundation in 2012)
Florida International University, Miami
Two modeling workshops open to highschool teachers nationwide.
The mechanics workshop is a prerequisite to the 2nd semester workshop.
Dates: July 2-20, 2012
Peer leaders:
Mechanics: Jon Anderson of Minnesota: Univ. of
Minn TIR
Chris
Doscher of South Miami HS
Waves/light: David Kirkpatrick of Miami Coral
Park HS
Local teachers have priority, then Florida teachers, then teachers nationwide.
$1400 stipend ($100 per day)
Contact David Jones djones@fiu.edu 305-348-4881
for details.
Info at http://modeling.fiu.edu
On-campus housing available for $40 per day (linens included)
Apply
here.
Application deadline is May 15.
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
ILLINOIS (pending funding in 2012)
University of Illinois at Chicago
Dates: July 25-August 5, 2011
Location: University of Illinois Chicago
Content: microscopic model of electricity and magnetism (& waves as time
permits)
Instructor and peer leader: Jim Stankevitz
Cost: Tuition: $420(1 graduate credit) or $1680(4 graduate credits)
Optional follow-up meetings during the school year.
Contact: Laurie Sullivan sulliva2@uic.edu
Register at https://www.oce.uic.edu/oce/ocepublic/courses/default.asp
Campus housing is available: contact Jim Stankevitz JimStanke@comcast.net
or oce@uic.edu, 312-996-8025
Pending: PHYS 494 Special Topics in Physics Teaching
Fall Semester 2011 (W 5:00PM-8:00PM)
Content: methods with emphasis on Modeling
*See Introduction
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
INDIANA (received state funding in 2012)
Introductory and intermediate workshops for Indiana high school science teachers.
Content: mechanics, chemistry
Dates: TBD in 2012
Peer leaders: mechanics: Hugh Ross
chemistry: TBD
Locations: University of Notre Dame (South Bend), Guerin HS (Noblesville),
Others TBD
Contact: Dr. Gordon Berry hgBerry@nd.edu
Description and application form for 2011 at http://www.nd.edu/~nismec/nismec11.htm
Deadline: TBD
See flyer.
*See Introduction
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
IOWA (no information as of Jan 2012)
University of Northern Iowa
For Iowa teachers only.
Dates:
PRISMS PLUS and intro to some components of Modeling Instruction
Leaders: Les Burns, Larry Escalada
Content:
IOWA (pending Carver Charitable Trust funding in 2012)
University of Iowa, Iowa City
For physics and physical science teachers in Iowa.
Dates: June 11-29, 2012
Content: mechanics
Peer leader: Mr. Shannon McLaughlin (Norwalk HS), assisted by Brad Jacobson
(Johnston HS)
Stipend of approximately $2250 for Iowa teachers. Free dorm housing
Out of state teachers participate at their own expense.
Optional graduate credit.
Information & application: http://www.physastro.iastate.edu/modelingworkshop/
First application deadline is April 1.
Contact: Mr. Shannon McLaughlin SMcLaughlin@norwalk.K12.ia.us
Cell: 515-238-6570, Home: 515-981-1008
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
KANSAS (pending funding from the Kansas Board of Regents Improving Teacher Quality Program)
No information as of Jan 2012
Two workshops for high school teachers in Kansas.
Other teachers can attend at low cost if space is available.
Mechanics and second semester physics topics TBD
Dates:
Location: Fort Hays State University
Peer leaders: Earl Legleiter, Penny Blue, Paul Adams
Stipend available if funded
Graduate credit available for 3 credit hours.
Information and application.
Chemistry I and II
Dates:
Location: Emporia State University
Peer leaders: Alan Vancil, Malonne Davies, Earl Legleiter
Stipend available if funded
Graduate credit available for 3 credit hours.
For both workshops, contact Earl Legleiter elegleiter@hotmail.com
720-482-8695 and Paul Adams pAdams@fhsu.edu
785-628-4538
Dormitory housing available
Download flyer for
more info.
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
LOUISIANA (New Orleans, school district funding in 2011)
No information as of Jan 2012
Three workshops open to high school teachers nationwide.
Dates: July 11-22, 2011
Content: kinematics and dynamics
Peer leader: David Ferris
Location: Ben Franklin High School, on University of New Orleans Campus
2001
Leon C Simon Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122
(8:30-3:30 MTWThF)
Dates: July 6-19, 2011
Content: chemistry
Peer leaders: Phil Root of Chandler HS in Arizona
Location: Ben Franklin HS (8:30-3:30 MTWThF)
For questions, please email: admin@core4kids.org
Stipends for high school teachers in certain local school districts (parishes).
$400 for all others.
Housing available: download flyer
Contact: David Ferris David_Ferris@nops.k12.la.us
*See Introduction
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
MAINE (2012)
Kennebunk (1.5 hours from Boston, Massachusetts)
For high school teachers nationwide.
Teachers can attend first week or both weeks(preferred).
Dates: July 30-Aug 10, 2012
Content: 1st semester chemistry
Leaders: Mike Waters and Tom Pfeiffer, Director: James Vesenka
M-F, 8:00am-5:00pm
Location: First Parish UU Church, Kennebunk, Maine.
Cost: $1250 (includes lunches).
Graduate credit pending
Local hotels or free housing with church members
Contact James Vesenka jvesenka@gmail.com
207-749-7913
URL: http://www.uukennebunk.org/
click on Physics Modeling Workshop
Download flyer and
application
*See Introduction
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
MICHIGAN (funded in 2012 by the Tri-County Alliance for Public
Education)
Detroit/Ann Arbor region
Michigan teachers have priority, but out-of-state teachers can participate if space is available.
TENTATIVE Dates: June 20-July 12, 2012 (no class July 4, 5, or 6)
Content: mechanics
Peer leaders: Don Pata, Laura Ritter
Location: Royal Oak: Oakland Technical Center
Cost: TBD pending funding (Participants can get graduate credits or CEUs for
an additional fee)
Information and application: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/modelingphysics
Contact Laura Ritter LRitter77@gmail.com
734-649-7039
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
MINNESOTA (2012)
Winona State University (2 hours from Minneapolis)
For physics and physical science teachers nationwide, including community college
faculty and pre-service teachers. Local/regional MN and WI teachers have priority.
Long-distance teachers are accepted if space is available. Teachers can attend
both weeks(preferred!) or either week.
Dates: July 16-20 and July 23-27, 2012
Content: introductory mechanics
Peer leader: Eric Gettrust
Cost: $200 per week (or $50 per week, pending grant funding)
Dorm housing is available for $25/night.
Optional graduate credit
Contact: Dr. Nathan Moore NMoore@winona.edu (507) 457-5611
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
NEBRASKA (2012)
Omaha
Dates: June 11-29, 2012
Location: University of Nebraska, Omaha
Content: mechanics
Peer leader: Earl Legleiter
Contact: Judy Stucky JStucky@westside66.org
NEW JERSEY (2012)
For high school science teachers nationwide.
South Jersey Modeling Physics Institute THREE WORKSHOPS!
Dates: June 25-July 13, 2012 (physics, chemistry).
June 20-July
6, 2012 (biology)
Location: Clearview Regional High School, Mullica Hill, NJ (20 miles from Philadelphia)
Content: mechanics (Doug Vallette, $600)
chemistry (Jim Navins, $750)
biology (Angela Gard, $850)
Contact: Ron Antinori AntinoriRo@ClearviewRegional.edu,
science supervisor, 856-223-2747
Download application
and brochure.
Housing is available at nearby Rowan University for about $600
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
NEW MEXICO (funded in 2011)
No information as of Jan 2012
Contact: Jeff Saul 505-508-5114 (leave a message)
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
NEW YORK
SUNY-Buffalo State College (2012)
PHY620 (6cr): Modeling Mechanics
Dates: July 23-August 10, 2012
Peer leaders: Dr. Luanna Gomez, Phil Coburn, & Craig Uhrich
PHY622 (6cr): Modeling E&M with supplements (microscopic charge models
of matter)
Dates: July 23-August 10, 2012
Peer leaders: Dr. Dan MacIsaac, Larry Hiller, and Dave Doty
Cost is $2245 for NY residents; $3595 out-of-state
Limited scholarship funds available
low-cost on campus housing is available
contracts and registration details available at http://www.buffalostate.edu/physics/x711.xml
Contact Dan MacIsaac, 716-878-3802
Follow this link for MSEd-Physics
Courses for Spring & Summer
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
NEW YORK/PENNSYLVANIA (2012)
Mansfield University and Corning Incorporated
Applications will be accepted through May 15.
Three FREE workshops for teachers nationwide:
July 9-27, 2012
(8:00-4:00 Mon-Thu, 8:00-12:00 Fri)
Content: (three workshops) mechanics, chemistry, advanced (curriculum development
in your choice of physics or chemistry)
Peer leaders: Mr. Jess Dykes of Ridley High School near Philadelphia (physics)
Tammy
Gwara of Desert Ridge High School in Arizona (chemistry)
Kathy
Harper of Ohio State University (advanced physics curriculum development)
Brenda
Royce of University High School in Fresno, CA (advanced chemistry curriculum
development)
Location: Mansfield University (PA)
The summer workshop is free (funded by Corning Enterprises) with a free lunch
everyday.
The support sessions (October 17-18, 2011 and March 12-13, 2012) are optional
for participants more than 2 hours drive from Mansfield and mandatory for participants
who live closer.
Support session fees are paid by participants' school districts ($350 total).
Four graduate credits available (optional) for the summer workshop.
Tuition rates: $1880 for Pennsylvania residents; $2808 for out-of-state
Housing was $98 per week double occupancy; $127 per week single occupancy, in
2011
The informational flier is at http://mansfield.edu/modeling-flier.pdf
The application is at http://mansfield.edu/modeling-application.pdf
Contact: Dr. Greg Carson GCarson@mansfield.edu
570-662-4548
child
care at Mansfield University ($27/day ages 1-2; $25/day ages 3-5 in 2010)
For older children, Mansfield University summer
camps
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
NORTH CAROLINA (State Math-Science Partnership funding in
2012)
Workshops for North Carolina teachers only
Dates: TBD in 2012
Content (three workshops): chemistry; physics; biology (Biology is open only
to experienced modelers.)
Peer leaders: Mike Turner, Matt Greenwolfe (physics)
Janet
Wells, David Farabee (chemistry)
Angela
Gard, Rebecca Stanley (biology)
Location: North Carolina State University, Raleigh
Contact Scott Ragan, 919-515-5610;
Patty Blanton
Info can be found here: http://www.science-house.org/teacher/modeling/
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
OHIO (funded from Ohio Board of Regents' Improving Teacher
Quality Program - 2012)
The Ohio State University
Three workshops for Ohio high school teachers.
Teachers from out-of-state are only eligible if spaces are still available at
the beginning of June.
June 11-29, 2012
Content: (3 separate workshops) mechanics, chemistry, second-year physics &
chemistry topics chosen by participants
Location: New Albany High School (northeast of Columbus)
Peer leaders:
Doug Forrest, Mary Battershell Whalen, Kathy Harper (mechanics)
Liz Emmer, Tammy Gwara, Ted Clark (chemistry)
Rick Jacox, Heidi Jackman Kresge, (curriculum development in second-semester
physics & chemistry content)
Participants will receive 4 (semester) graduate credits in physics from Ohio
State University and free lunch each day, in addition to workshop and classroom
materials and equipment. Some housing funds available.
Contact Kathy Harper harper.217@osu.edu
for details. (614) 688-7538
Download updated application
for 2011.
Applications from Ohio teachers are accepted until mid-May, if space is still
available.
Download flyer for
2011.
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
OHIO (funded in 2012 from Ohio Board of Regeants ITQ Program)
Bowling Green State University
Dates: July 23-August 3, 2012 (+6 evening follow-up meetings in school year)
Content: 1 week mechanics followed by 1 week chemistry
Peer leaders: Nate Ash (physics), Mary Kate Hafemann (chemistry)
Free workshop. 4 graduate credits at no cost.
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
Contact: Prof. John Laird Laird@bgsu.edu 419-372-7244
PENNSYLVANIA - (received funding 2012)
Annville (near Harrisburg)
Two workshops for high school science teachers nationwide. Priority for IU13 & other regional teachers. Long-distance teachers can apply after March 31 if space is available.
Dates: TBD
Location: Lebanon Valley College, Annville (20 miles east of Harrisburg, the
capital)
Content: modeling physics and modeling chemistry
Leaders: Ray Howanski (chemistry), Jess Dykes (physics)
Cost: TBD
Graduate credit available at extra cost.
Contact: Ms. Drue Feilmeier drue_feilmeier@IU13.org
717-606-1674
Harrisburg has a jet airport. The area is beautiful! -- Amish country.
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
PENNSYLVANIA (2012)
Ridley High School
SOUTH DAKOTA (funding from the "Improving Teacher Quality" grant in 2011)
Dates: June 17-22, 2012
Peer leader: Rose Emanuel
Content: Particle model of light
Location: Black Hills State University in Spearfish
Contact: Prof. Andy Johnson andyjohnson@bhsu.edu
605-642-6508
*See Introduction
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
TENNESSEE (Funded in 2012 by a state Math & Science Partnerships
grant)
Tennessee's High School STEM Redesign project, incorporating Physics First.
At Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro
Three 2-week workshops open to high school teachers nationwide. First priority
to Tennessee teachers.
Registration deadline is June.
Dates: Start June 11 or 18
Content: mechanics for grade 9
(no prerequisite)
Peer leader: Rex Rice, of Clayton High School in Missouri
Dates: Start June 11 or 18
Content: 10th grade chemistry (1st semester content)
Peer leaders: Dennis Glass
Dates: Start June 11 or 18
Content: Biology
Peer leader: Dr. Anita Schuchardt
Peer leaders teach in high schools that have the inverted sequence (pcb).
Cost: probably around $275 (barely covers materials and meals)
Contact: Amy Phelps AJPhelps@mtsu.edu 615-898-2077
*See Introduction
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
TEXAS (2012: school funding)
For high school teachers nationwide.
Teachers who have taken a two-week mechanics workshop are welcome to take only
week three this year.
Dates: June 18-July 5, 2012, MTWTh only
Peer leaders: Nicholas Par, Maikel Garcia
Location: TBD
Cost: $175 for 1 week, $325 for 2 weeks, $450 for 3 weeks
Contact: Maikel Garcia mgarcia@springISD.org
972-628-5636
*See Introduction
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
VIRGINIA (2012, pending state funding)
St. Catherine's School in Richmond
Dates: TBD
Content: mechanics
Peer leader: Joe Mahler
Contact: Joe Mahler JMahler@St.Catherines.org
Website: http://www.spu.edu/depts/physics/teachers.asp
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
WASHINGTON (2012)
Seattle Pacific University
For physics teachers nationwide. Priority will be given to teachers in Washington State.
Dates: TBD
Content: mechanics
Peer leader: Aaron Debbink (a Knowles Science Teaching Fellow)
Co-leader: Matt Randall (a Knowles Science Teaching Fellow)
Location: Seattle Pacific University
Cost: estimated $200 (barely covers materials)
Contact: Laura Mendes MendeL@spu.edu
Website: http://www.spu.edu/depts/physics/teachers.asp
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
WISCONSIN (2012)
University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh
1. June 11-Aug 3, 2012 (Mondays only: 8am -1:30pm)
Course title: Waves and Fields for Teachers (5 graduate credits)
Content: simple harmonic oscillator, mechanical waves, simple pendulum, reflection,
interference
Leaders: Ed Wyrembeck (Howards Grove High School), Mark Lattery (UW Oshkosh)
2. June 11-Aug 3, 2012 (Tuesdays only: 8am - 1:30pm)
Course title: Optics for Teachers (5 graduate credits)
Content: light refraction, lenses, mirrors, diffraction, polarization
Leaders: Jeff Elmer (Oshkosh North High School), Mark Lattery (UW Oshkosh)
3. June 11-Aug 3, 2011 (Wednesdays only: 8am-1:30pm)
Course title: Classical Mechanics for Teachers (5 graduate credits)
Content: kinematics, dynamics, projectile motion, work, energy, collisions
Leaders: Scott Hertting (Neenah High School), Mark Lattery (UW Oshkosh)
UW Oshkosh has provided modeling instruction for teachers for 9 years
Tuition for all teachers (in-state or out-of-state) is $340 per credit
in 2011; auditing is even cheaper.
All courses provide in-depth training in the modeling method and classroom technology
Contact: Mark Lattery Lattery@UWosh.edu
For information, including the MSE in Secondary Science Education program, visit
http://planck.phys.uwosh.edu/lattery/mse/mse.htm
See flyer.
Each workshop is also described at http://www.ptec.org/pd/?set=Modeling
WISCONSIN
University of Wisconsin - River Falls
No workshops in 2011.
Content: quantitative data analysis and kinematics (2 graduate credits). Phys
789
Peer leader: Eric Gettrust, Madison West High School, Madison WI, EGettrust@madison.k12.wi.us
For information: http://www.uwrf.edu/physics,
Click on "courses"
Contact: Dr. Eileen Korenic eileen.korenic@uwrf.edu
715-425-3560
*See Introduction.
QUOTES BY TEACHERS:
I am continually amazed at how the modeling method manages to give students
1) the opportunity to confront their misconceptions about physics head on,
2) the ability to analyze their data in an in-depth, consistent way in order
to construct appropriate models, and
3) the skill and confidence needed to interpret their results (as well as others')
in a scientifically critical way.
(Jim Stankevitz, Wheaton, IL)
An important objective of education is to move students along the road towards
self-suffiency. I feel that the modeling method does this better than anything
else I have seen.
(Louis Turner, Massachusetts - formerly Ohio)
The project gives the teacher the knowledge and practice needed to develop or
adapt other materials to the modeling method. The teacher is not restricted
to particular topics or materials from the workshops because the modeling method
is a WAY to teach, not an independent topic to teach.
(Art Woodruff, Sanford,
FL)
It is the finest example of constructivist teaching in the U.S. It has changed
my life and the way I teach.
(Don Yost, near Sacramento)
This page is maintained by Jane Jackson
last updated January 27, 2012
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