Workshops

Teaching Physics Through Concept Contests

Physics & Astronomy Outreach at McMaster coordinates two conceptually based contests for high school students: an online multiple choice contest and a video contest designed to be inclusive, fun and fundamentally different from typical physics contests. We will offer suggestions for logistics and follow-up activities to make these classroom activities exciting for the physics-enthused, non-threatening for the physics-fearful, and a learning experience for the entire class.

Slides presented at the conference.

Caroline Burgess has a B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters degree in Education. An educator for over 25 years, she has taught Science and Math at all levels from primary school to college. In her current position as Outreach Coordinator for the Departments of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Mathematics & Statistics and Physics & Astronomy at McMaster University, she encourages dialogue between high school teachers and university instructors through regular meetings, and invites teachers to bring their classes on campus for interactive activities including hands-on labs and demos. The excellence of McMaster’s Physics Outreach program has been recognized by NSERC through a PromoScience grant which has allowed the program to extend its reach through two web-based “concept contests” – a Physics@Mac Video Contest aimed at students in Grade 9 and 10 Science and a Physics@Mac Online Contest aimed at student s in Grade 11 and 12 Physics.

Karen Hughes has a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics. She has taught first year physics courses at McMaster for the past 10 years and is Coordinator for all of Level I Physics. Karen brings a wealth of experience into the classroom as well as a commitment to best teaching practices based on the most current physics education research. She has been using concept-quizzes in her courses for several years and has helped to develop first year physics labs which she calls “tutorials with equipment” to reinforce concepts taught in class.