Description of Program

The CSU Physics Van has been operating since Spring 2003 with support from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Funding from Physics on the Road Program has allowed the CSU Physics Van to obtain new equipment that support our current efforts. Funding from the Physics on the Road Program has allowed us to purchase new equipment from PASCO Scientific that will enhance our current efforts.

The three objectives of the Physics Van Program are to (1) develop and utilize laboratory curricula which address the state goals for learning (2) implement a teacher in-service training program for high school physics teachers and (3) provide classroom equipment and support for implementation of the physics laboratory curricula. These objectives differ from the traditional demonstration oriented program in that the CSU Physics Van program attempts to involve entire classes in activities that promote the development of physics concepts through experiments, observations, and reasoning.

During the second portion of funding period our physics van driver will bring the equipment to the schools so that students can be involved in scientific inquiry.

The pictures on this page show students at two Chicago high schools using the PASCO Glx equipment that was purchased through the APS Physics on the road program.

During the Fall 05 semester approximately 420 students were engaged in activities utilizing this equipment to analyze physics phenomena.

These pictures show students

at Crane HS performing analysis where they investigate the graphical representation of constant velocity using motion sensors.

at St. Scholastica Academy performing experiments using force probes and motion sensors to construct a deep understanding of harmonic motion.

Contact Information:

Mel Sabella
Chicago State University
Department of Chemistry and Physics
9501 S. King Drive / SCI 232
Chicago, Il 60628
msabella@csu.edu
Phone: 773-995-2172
Fax: 773-995-3809

Gloria A. Pritikin
Physics Van Driver
GAPritikin4128@aol.com
Phone: 708-749-4994

Last modified July 28, 2005

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