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Teacher Orientation 2012

Nea Community Learning Center, Alameda

Tentative Schedule

Time
Event
Details
9:00-10:00
Opening
General Introduction
Demonstrations & Principles
10:10-10:55
Session 1
First Timers
Low Tech Data Collection
Ride Science - HS
Apps @ the Park
11:00-11:45
Session 2
First Timers
High Tech Data Collection &
Graph Interpretation
Ride Science - MS
Apps @ the Park
11:50-12:45
Session 3
Sample Contests & Interactive Activities
Mars Lander
Model Coaster
Paper Airplane
DNA Extraction
Cardboard Boat


12:45
Closing
Passes Given Out
Mars Lander Drop




Title
Description
Demonstrations & Principles
A collection of demonstrations that bring principles from the amusement park into your classroom. The lead presenter was the originator of Physics Day at Great America back in 1983.
First Timers A session for inexperienced teachers. Topics that will be discussed: Issues with bringing a class to the park, Preparing your class for PSM Day, Equipment to bring, Expectations, etc. Discussion will be geared to the level of your students.
Low Tech Data Collection
Explore the type of data that can be obtained with hand-held accelerometers. Theory of the operation of these accelerometers will be included as well as a discussion of acceleration versus force.
Ride Science
Both high school-appropriate (HS) and middle school-appropriate (MS) presentations will be made. This session is geared toward answering questions about the underlying science concepts.
Apps @ the Park
A number of applications are available for smart phones and tablets that can be successfully used at amusement parks. Several will be demonstrated including some that are free.
High Tech Data Collection & Graph Interpretation
Learn how students will be able to gather data on amusement park rides electronically. Then get a quick lesson on how to interpret the wiggles and squiggles that appear on the graphs.
Sample Contests & Interactive Activities
A collection of some of the varioius activities that are available on PSM Days at California's Great America. Teachers will have a chance to try them out for themselves. The Cardboard Boat Contest will be a scaled down version that should be usable in individual classrooms. And as a special feature, the Mars Landers will be dropped to see if they survive, just like at PSM Days.

Posted 9/10/12