Advising guidelines put together at the University of Arkansas as the undergraduate program grew and developed. Presented at the 2012 SPIN-UP conference in Austin and the PhysTEC leadership meeting at the AAPT summer meeting in Edmonton.

The transit of Venus is a rare astronomical event that has been well documented throughout history. The most recent transit occurred in June of 2004, and the one before that took place more than 100 years earlier in 1882. This site from the South African Astronomical Observatory provides information and first-hand observations of the 1882 event from Wellington, South Africa. Just prior to the event, an observatory was erected at the Huguenot Seminary for girls, and some of the historical observations made from that site in 1882 are provided here for your perusal.

This page from the Volcano World website contains a summary account of the 1959 eruption at Kilauea Iki which is illustrated by photographs and videos.

This video adapted from the Valdez Museum & Historical Archive, explores what happened during the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964 through original footage, first-person accounts, and animations illustrating plate tectonics.

An exercise on the effects of flooding that took place in the upper Mississippi River drainage basin in 1993, using before and after satellite images.

(Note: this resource was added to OER Commons as part of a batch upload of over 2,200 records. If you notice an issue with the quality of the metadata, please let us know by using the 'report' button and we will flag it for consideration.)

This movie shows a total eclipse of the Sun which occurred in 1994. It is accompanied by a link to a written description of the Sun's physical characteristics.

This simulation shows time-dependent 1D quantum bound state wavefunctions for a number of different wells. Position, momentum, parity, energy, and current can all be viewed, with phase shown with color. Eigentstates can be selected using the energy level diagram. Multiple-energy-eigenstate wavefunctions can be created through changes in the amplitude and phase of the basis states using spinors. Postion and energy measurements can be taken, resulting in new states of the system.

This simulation explores the transitions between quantum states in a number of 1D systems. The time-dependent wavefunction is displayed. An electric field resonant with the transition between states is applied and the changes in the wavefunction with time are tracked. The dipole transition probability is displayed for different initial to final state transitions, and the user may select the transition they wish to observe.

This is a task from the Illustrative Mathematics website that is one part of a complete illustration of the standard to which it is aligned. Each task has at least one solution and some commentary that addresses important asects of the task and its potential use. Here are the first few lines of the commentary for this task: Materials * Completed monthly weather recording sheet * Crayons * Sentence strips with frames (see below) * Student worksheet Actions Every day for a m...

In this 5.5 minute video Dr James Grime (Cambridge University, UK) explains why mathematicians don't classify the number 1 as a prime. He includes historical background and an explanation of the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic.

This web page provides links to resources aligned to the CCSS that guide and support first grade mathematics teaching and learning. Tasks developed by the Mathematics Assessment Resource Service (MARS) and Problems of the Month, (POM home page is cataloged separately) developed by the Noyce Foundation are included. The activities were designed to measure students' ability to solve non-routine problems, explain and justify their solutions, and promote high level thinking skills. Resources are listed for specific grade 1 standards and are also organized by progression for an alternate search route.

This page hosts a collection of geometric tasks in pdf format that are aligned to the CCSS standards 1.G1 through 1.G3. It also has links to supplementary literature and learning materials.

This page provides examples of 1st Grade Measurement and Data activities aligned with the Common Core State Standards. A CCSS standard is stated and the possible activities are listed below and linked. All activities are suitable for use in Math Centers, small group, or whole class settings and are designed to elicit a range of responses and provide opportunities for students to communicate their reasoning and mathematical thinking. Instructions for each task are typed in large print and written in child-friendly language to enable students to work on activities independently after a brief introduction to the task. All files for 1st Grade Measurement and Data Activities listed are in PDF format.

This is a problem-based learning (PBL) group jigsaw activity. The scenario is:
Students are employees of a unit of the United Nations responsible for coordinating disaster relief after a major disaster (the 2004 Asian Earthquake and Tsunami) occurs. The agency needs to understand the situation in each country so that it can coordinate the work of various governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in the affected area.

Students are divided into Expert Groups (related to academic specialties such as Economics, Medicine, Political Science, Earth Science, etc.) and spend several days researching their topics. Students are then reassigned to one of seven or eight Country Groups, based on the countries most affected by the disaster. Each country group needs someone representing each expert group. In the scenario, these groups correspond to task forces that must determine what the situation is in each country and try to assess the current need for international assistance.

Students research their country, using internet resources, especially the CIA World Factbook and ReliefWeb, the information coordination website of the United Nations. At a large-group roundtable discussion, each group presents what it has found about its assigned country. As a final product, each student writes an individual report summarizing findings and making recommendations for disaster assistance.

(Note: this resource was added to OER Commons as part of a batch upload of over 2,200 records. If you notice an issue with the quality of the metadata, please let us know by using the 'report' button and we will flag it for consideration.)

Students are employees of a unit of the United Nations responsible for coordinating disaster relief after a major disaster (the 2004 Asian Earthquake and Tsunami) occurs. The agency needs to understand the situation in each country so that it can coordinate the work of various governments and NGO (nongovernmental organizations) working in the affected area.

(Note: this resource was added to OER Commons as part of a batch upload of over 2,200 records. If you notice an issue with the quality of the metadata, please let us know by using the 'report' button and we will flag it for consideration.)

In this multi-part activity, students study seismograms from 3 different seismic stations recording the magnitude 9.0 Sumatra earthquake of December 26th, 2004. By comparing the arrival times of the P and S waves on each seismogram, students determine the distance from the epicenter to each station. Using that data, they can accurately map the location of the epicenter and the precise time of the earthquake. After locating the epicenter, students calculate the position of the tsunami generated by the quake at one hour intervals. From those determinations, predictions are made about how much time people had before the tsunami crashed onto their shores. Finally, students investigate some of the ways people can lessen the impact of the next great tsunami.

(Note: this resource was added to OER Commons as part of a batch upload of over 2,200 records. If you notice an issue with the quality of the metadata, please let us know by using the 'report' button and we will flag it for consideration.)

This activity uses data collected from DART (Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis) stations in the Pacific following the 2011 tsunami generated off the coast of Japan. Students are required to map the wave front after 5, 10, and 15 hours to better understand the speed and propagation of the tsunami wave.

(Note: this resource was added to OER Commons as part of a batch upload of over 2,200 records. If you notice an issue with the quality of the metadata, please let us know by using the 'report' button and we will flag it for consideration.)

This file includes the lab manual write-up for the Au nanosphere and nanorod photoabsorption and scattering Lab experiment for the 2nd year Experimental Contemporary Physics Lab Course. In addition, several handouts are provided along with some additional information for instructors. This work was supported in part by by NSF Awards: ECCS #0701703, DMR #0707740 & DMR #1105121. The experiment can readily be upgraded to an advanced lab by giving more responsibility to the students for lab setup (give them an optical breadboard and parts) and by asking for more in-depth analysis and questions which require more knowledge and experimental skills to answer.

This resource contains presentations from one of the Center for Automotive Research's (CAR's) breakfast briefings titled "Automotive Fuels and Emissions: Policies, Compliance, & Potential Impact of Future Technologies." This briefing occurred on 12/5/13 at Robert Bosch LLC in Farmington Hills, MI. At the briefing presenters discussed the strategic implications of Tier 3 regulations which will soon be finalized and may impact future technology decisions in a multitude of ways. The impact of Tier 3 emission regulations is expected to be far reaching as they have the potential to influence the quality of fuel, as well as usage of alternative fuels and powertrains. Further, the regulations will have a direct influence on the technologies, such as diesel and gasoline direct injection, that automakers will utilize to meet the fuel economy standards through MY2025. Included in this resource are the presentations from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Volkswagen, and Bosch utilized at the briefing.

This animation highlighting the phases of the Moon was released by the Scientific Visualization Studio at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

This resource contains speaker presentations from the 2013 Plug-In Conference and Exposition. This conference took place September 30, 2013 to October 3, 2013 at Liberty Station in San Diego, CA and had the theme What's Next for the Electric Highway? This event brought together automotive manufacturers, component suppliers, electric utilities, government agencies, academia, and the environmental community to collaborate on the next steps in plug-in electric vehicle technology, infrastructure, policies and regulations, and market development.

This exercise uses the example of the March 28, 2014 M5.1 La Habra earthquake to teach about earthquake risk and resilience in southern California. Students will examine seismic waveforms recording during the earthquake, as well as read reports from scientific agencies and news outlets to answer basic questions regarding earthquake risk and resilience.

(Note: this resource was added to OER Commons as part of a batch upload of over 2,200 records. If you notice an issue with the quality of the metadata, please let us know by using the 'report' button and we will flag it for consideration.)

This interactive addresses the question if we can reduce CO2 emissions by 20% of 1990 levels and help avoid dangerous climate change? Users of this interactive can manipulate changes to various sources and uses (supply and demand) of energy with the goal of reducing C02 emissions in Great Britain by 80% in the year 2050.

This NASA page is an image set illustrating the 20g centrifuge at the Ames Research Center. The photographs include two of human subjects strapped in the place at one end of the centrifuge arm.

This NOAA visualization on YouTube shows the seasonal variations in sea surface temperatures and ice cover from 1985 to 2007. The visualization is based on data collected by NOAA polar-orbiting satellites. El NiÃo and La NiÃa are easily identified, as are the trends in decreasing polar sea ice.

This problem with multiple solutions offers an opportunity for students to practice simple addition and subtraction, work with number sentences (equations), and develop systematic work habits. Given cards containing the addition, subtraction and equal signs along with the digits 2, 4, 6, and 8. solvers are challenged to find as many ways as possible to arrange some or all seven cards to create true statements. The Teachers' Notes page offers suggestions for implementation, discussion questions, ideas for extension and support, printable cards (pdf) and a link to an interactive Flash applet.

This number challenge is an opportunity to reinforce mental arithmetic and order of operations while developing systematic work habits. Students are asked to use the numbers 4, 6, 6, and 8 (exactly once each) and the four basic operations to find as many ways as they can to represent the number 24. There are over 60 different ways! The Teachers' Notes page includes suggestions for implementation, discussion questions, ideas for support, and a link to a related article, Opening Out. (cataloged separately).

This Java applet game promotes mental math and strategic thinking skills using a card from Suntex's 24 Game. The player is presented with four numbers (1-9) on a card. The goal is to manipulate each of the four numbers only once so that the end result is 24. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and/or parentheses maybe used and the player must be able to enter the expression using the online calculator.

In this open-ended investigation, students use visualizing skill and work systematically to explore surface area. Learners use linking cubes to build three-dimensional objects with exactly 28 faces exposed. Ideas for implementation, extension and support are included.

In this 7-minute video astronomer Dr Meghan Gray explains the relationship of the Earth's rotation and its revolution around the Sun, resulting in the need to add an extra day to our calendar every four years. She describes additional adjustments required to keep our calendar aligned with the Earth's movements. Dr Gray explains the Julian date and its usefulness.

This simulation shows time-dependent 2D quantum bound state wavefunctions for a circular hard-walled potential. Position, momentum, angular momentum, and energy of the states can all be viewed, with phase shown with color. Eigentstates can be selected using the energy level diagram. Multiple-energy-eigenstate wavefunctions can be created through changes in the amplitude and phase of the basis states using spinors, or through the creation of Gaussian wavefunctions with the mouse. The quantum numbers of the states are shown.

This lab uses Tracker video analysis software to measure and analyze the center of mass of a system of two pucks during a two-dimensional collision. Students measure the initial and final velocity vector for each puck and calculate the center-of-mass velocity of the system before and after the collision and show that it is constant. Tracker can automatically calculate and mark the center of mass in each frame, so it is easy to see that the center of mass velocity is constant and calculate its value from graphs of center-of-mass variables. The zip file contains the lab handout, a video showing a 2-D collision of pucks, and the Tracker file. The video copyright is Flashmedia. To open the Tracker file, download and run Tracker from http://www.cabrillo.edu/~dbrown/tracker/. Tracker is free. The videos can be used with other video analysis software; however, the handout has screen captures from Tracker and instructions specifically written for Tracker.

This applet simulates the electric field of many charge distributions, including point charges, line charges, dipoles, cylinders, conducting planes and more. The color can be adjusted for field magnitude or potential. Equipotential or field lines are optional. The field strength and number of particles are adjustable. The field can be displayed as a velocity field or a force field. The description is also available in German.

The EJS 2D Ising model displays a lattice of spins. You can change the lattice size, temperature, and external magnetic field. You can modify this simulation if you have Ejs installed by right-clicking within the plot and selecting “Open Ejs Model” from the pop-up menu item. The 2D-Ising model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (Ejs) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the ejs_stp_Ising2D.jar file will run the program if Java is installed. Ejs is a part of the Open Source Physics Project and is designed to make it easier to access, modify, and generate computer models. Additional Ejs models are available. They can be found by searching ComPADRE for Open Source Physics, OSP, or Ejs.

This simulation shows time-dependent 2D quantum bound state wavefunctions for a harmonic oscillator potential. Position, momentum, angular momentum (for symmetric potentials), and energy of the states can all be viewed, with phase shown with color. Eigentstates can be selected using the energy level diagram. Multiple-energy-eigenstate wavefunctions can be created through changes in the amplitude and phase of the basis states using spinors, or through the creation of Gaussian, elliptical, or square wavefunctions with the mouse. The quantum numbers of the states are shown.

This simulation shows time-dependent 2D quantum bound state wavefunctions for a rectangular hard-walled potential. Position, momentum, and energy of the states can all be viewed, with phase shown with color. Eigentstates can be selected using the energy level diagram. Multiple-energy-eigenstate wavefunctions can be created through changes in the amplitude and phase of the basis states using spinors, or through the creation of Gaussian, elliptical, or square wavefunctions with the mouse.

The applet simulates various vector fields, including spherical, radial, and constant plane. It is a generalized version of an electrostatic field simulation by the same author. The field strength and number of particles simulated are adjustable. Divergence, curl, and potential can be color-coded. Grid lines, potential lines, or streamlines can be displayed. Directions, specific links to the subject and source code are also included.

This java applet is a simulation that demonstrates scalar waves (such as sound waves) in two dimensions. It demonstrates the wave principles behind slit diffraction, zone plates, and holograms.

This web page provides links to resources aligned to the CCSS that guide and support second grade mathematics teaching and learning. Tasks developed by the Mathematics Assessment Resource Service (MARS), Problems of the Month, (POM home page is cataloged separately) and videos of public lessons and number talks developed by the Noyce Foundation are included. The tasks were designed to measure students’ ability to solve non-routine problems, explain and justify their solutions, and promote high level thinking skills. They include the scoring rubric, student responses, and discussion of student understanding and misconceptions. Resources are listed for specific grade 2 standards and are also organized by progression for an alternate search route.

This page hosts a collection of geometric tasks in pdf format that are aligned to the CCSS standards 2.G1 through 2.G3. It also has links to supplementary literature and learning materials.

This page provides examples of 2nd Grade Measurement and Data activities aligned with the Common Core State Standards. A CCSS standard is stated and the possible activities are listed below and linked. All activities are suitable for use in Math Centers, small group, or whole class settings and are designed to elicit a range of responses and provide opportunities for students to communicate their reasoning and mathematical thinking. Instructions for each task are typed in large print and written in child-friendly language to enable students to work on activities independently after a brief introduction to the task. All files for 2nd Grade Measurement and Data Activities listed are in PDF format.

This applet simulates the electric field and potential for various charge distributions, including point, line, dipole, spherical and other charges. There is also a simulation, with adjustable speed, of a charge moving close to the speed of light. The field can be displayed as a velocity or force field with particles following field lines, or as field or equipotential lines. The potential and fields can be displayed in 3-D or on a movable 2-D slice. The field strength and number of particles is adjustable, and the charge can be reversed. Source code and directions (also in German) are included.

The 3-D Hydrogen Atom Probability Densitites model simulates the probability density of the first few (n = 1, 2, and 3, and associated l and m values) energy eigenstates for the Hydrogen atom (the Coulomb potential). The main window shows the energy level diagram for the solutions to the Coulomb potential in three dimensions. States may be selected either by using the dropdown menu item or by using the energy level diagram and clicking a dark green level, with specific n, l, and m values) which will turn bright green and change the state shown in the 3d visualization window. The probability is shown with a 3d cloud, with higher probability shown as a darker sphere. The simulation uses either simple 3D or Java 3D (if installed) to render the view the probability densities. If Java 3D is not installed, the simulation defaults to simple 3D using Java. The 3-D Hydrogen Atom Probability Densitites model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (EJS) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the ejs_qm_hydrogen3d.jar file will run the program if Java is installed.

This applet simulates various magnetic sources, including a line of current, a square loop, a magnetic sphere and a solenoid. Size, number of particles, and field strength are adjustable. Display options include particles in velocity or force fields, field vectors, field lines and potential vectors. The vectors and lines can be displayed in 3D or on a movable 2D slice. Charge can be reversed. Source code and directions are included.

This simulation shows time-dependent 3D quantum bound state wavefunctions for a harmonic oscillator potential. Position, angular momentum, and energy of the states can all be viewed, with phase shown with color. Eigentstates can be selected using the energy level diagram. Multiple-energy-eigenstate wavefunctions can be created through changes in the amplitude and phase of the basis states using spinors. The quantum numbers of the states are shown, and the states can be rotated.

This interactive Flash applet provides a Concentration-type game (called pelmanism in the UK) in which students must discern the properties of three-dimensional solids and their colors in order to match them in pairs. Spheres, cones, prisms and other standard 3-D shapes are hidden face down on cards. Time and number of trials needed to solve are recorded.

This simulation illustrates a wide range of 3D vector fields, including spherical, radial, and linear. The fields can be displayed as vectors, particle trajectories, equipotentials, and other options. The number of particles, vectors, or streamlines, and the field strength are adjustable. Directions and source code are also included. This is an extension of a 3D Electric and Magnetic Field viewer from the same author.

This web page provides links to resources aligned to the CCSS that guide and support third grade mathematics teaching and learning. Tasks developed by the Mathematics Assessment Resource Service (MARS) and Problems of the Month, (POM home page is cataloged separately) developed by the Noyce Foundation are included. The tasks were designed to measure students’ ability to solve non-routine problems, explain and justify their solutions, and promote high level thinking skills. They include the scoring rubric, student responses, and discussion of student understanding and misconceptions. Resources are listed for specific grade 3 standards and are also organized by progression for an alternate search route.

This page provides examples of 3rd Grade Measurement and Data activities aligned with the Common Core State Standards. A CCSS standard is stated and the possible activities are listed below and linked. All activities are suitable for use in Math Centers, small group, or whole class settings and are designed to elicit a range of responses and provide opportunities for students to communicate their reasoning and mathematical thinking. Instructions for each task are typed in large print and written in child-friendly language to enable students to work on activities independently after a brief introduction to the task. All files for 3rd Grade Measurement and Data Activities listed are in PDF format.

This flexible, interactive Flash applet allows students to explore number patterns and to develop number sense and fluency with addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The student or teacher enters a starting number and a step increment. Both values may be up to 4 digits and either positive or negative. The user then mentally carries out the sequence and enters the resulting 10th and 11th terms. The first 9 terms are color-coded in groups of 3 and may be shown or hidden one group at a time. Users have the option of hiding or showing the starting number and/or the increment.

This web page is a collection of 15 cost-free tools designed to help K-12 teachers use technology in all phases of instruction and assessment. The tools offer time-saving ways to monitor student research and writing, evaluate student performance, and create online lessons, classroom calendars, customized rubrics, tests/quizzes, exportable note-taking organizers for students, and more. 4 Teachers is funded by the ALTEC project, founded to support integration of technology in the K-12 classroom.

This web page contains customizable student checklists for written reports, multimedia projects, oral presentations, and science projects. The checklists are organized for three grade bands: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. The purpose of the checklists is to help students stay on track during a longer-term investigation, and promote their skills in responsibility and self-evaluating. 4 Teachers is funded by the ALTEC project, founded to support integration of technology in the K-12 classroom. ***PLEASE NOTE: Some of the pages within this resource are sponsored by commercial vendors. The Physics Front neither endorses nor recommends products for commercial sale.

This web page provides links to resources aligned to the CCSS that guide and support fourth grade mathematics teaching and learning. Tasks developed by the Mathematics Assessment Resource Service (MARS) for the Noyce Foundation, Problems of the Month, (POM home page is cataloged separately) and videos of public lessons and number talks developed by the Noyce Foundation are also included. The performance tasks were originally designed to measure students' ability to solve non-routine problems and then to explain and justify their solutions. The task scoring rubric, student responses, and discussion of student understanding and misconceptions are provided to improve instruction. Resources are listed for specific grade 4 standards and are also organized by progression for an alternate search route.

This page hosts a collection of geometric tasks in pdf format that are aligned to the CCSS standards 4.G1 through 4.G3. It also has links to supplementary literature and learning materials.

This page provides examples of 4th Grade Measurement and Data activities aligned with the Common Core State Standards. A CCSS standard is stated and the possible activities are listed below and linked. All activities are suitable for use in Math Centers, small group, or whole class settings and are designed to elicit a range of responses and provide opportunities for students to communicate their reasoning and mathematical thinking. Instructions for each task are typed in large print and written in child-friendly language to enable students to work on activities independently after a brief introduction to the task. All files for 4th Grade Measurement and Data Activities listed are in PDF format.

The main goal is to understand some basic laser theory and the method of creating a 532 nm (green) laser emission from an 808 nm (IR) laser. In the process you will learn the basics about laser diodes, pumping a gain medium, the purpose of special optical coatings, second harmonic generation, and the electronics / measurement tools for optical characterization. This lab can be constructed for under $1K with some creativity. Having introduced the lab already to students, they found it both interesting and fun to go through. Presented at the 2013 AAPT Summer Meeting in Portland, Oregon. W36: Advanced Labs Workshop

This problem reinforces the telling of time on a digital clock, and it requires students to work systematically. The number of 'times' the digit 5 appears in a 24-hour period is a matter of a solver's assumptions. Ideas for implementation, extension and support are included along with a printable poster. A link to an interactive Class Clock (cataloged separately) is provided.

This web page provides links to resources aligned to the CCSS that guide and support fifth grade mathematics teaching and learning. Tasks developed by the Mathematics Assessment Resource Service (MARS), Problems of the Month, (POM home page is cataloged separately) and videos of public lessons and number talks developed by the Noyce Foundation are included. The tasks were designed to measure students' ability to solve non-routine problems, explain and justify their solutions, and promote high level thinking skills. They include the scoring rubric, student responses, and discussion of student understanding and misconceptions. Resources are listed for specific grade 5 standards and are also organized by progression for an alternate search route.

When a pair of scientists first introduced cold nuclear fusion in 1989 as a source of almost limitless energy, the scientific community quickly discredited the experiments. In some venues, these experiments are case studies in faulty scientific investigation. But now a respected scientist at SRI International is doing extensive research on the same process -- with promising results. This 12-minute investigative report by CBS 60 Minutes explores the renewed interest in cold fusion and its implications for society. This resource is available for free online viewing. A four-page text synopsis is also provided. It could be especially useful as a springboard for a lesson on the importance of objectivity in scientific experimentation.

This classroom activity will show students that there is a lot we don't know about science, for example life throughout the universe. It will hopefully encourage students to question what we know and don't know, and exploration and study of the unknown.