Stimulating physics network: A day for everyone teaching physics RB003 / E01

***Please note that this event is now fully booked***

Lectures, masterclasses, workshops and more. All teachers of physics, technicians and trainees welcome.

This popular day for everyone teaching physics is a mix of practical  workshops, inspiring talks and congenial networking.

Sessions concentrate on ideas to use in your labs and classrooms.

Cost: free - including refreshments 

Timetable for the day (please choose your workshop options using the 'manage optional sessions' button when booking)

09.30  Registration & Coffee

10.00 Welcome:  Prof Helen Gleeson, Leeds University.

10.10   Fashion: physics in disguise? Dr Mark Sumner, Leeds University.

10:45  Workshop 1: Choose from

A Modelling Electric Current and PD: Make and take away a simple water circuit.  No motorised pumps, valves or algae!  Large enough to get a group of pupils around.  Provides a clear analogy for pd across components, and for the way that flow of charge shifts energy.  Richard Bonella, IOP
This workshop is limited to 20 teachers/technicians from different schools, on a first-come, first-served basis

B Making progress with energy: This workshop will develop understanding of energy stores and pathways with a focus on how students can demonstrate a growing understanding of the new paradigm. Materials to support practical work and assessment will be provided.  Darren Forbes, IOP

C Getting a job: a discussion session for Early Career Teachers.  Bring along your application forms/ CVs for a clinic.  Dan Hannard, IOP

D Improving gender imbalance in school physics: Why do so few girls choose physics at A level? The issue prevails after several decades and often the decision is made early on in their school career. We'll look at tricks, tips and something more strategic from the IOP's Improving Gender Balance pilot to help engage all your students.   Rachel Hartley (IOP)

12:00  LUNCH

13.00  Workshop 2: Choose from

E Polarisation, LCD’s and encryption: The workshop will explore the concept of polarisation with hands on experiments on fibre optics, lasers and LCD’s displayed and temperature measurement.  Phil Furneaux, IOP

F A- level practicals:  A hands-on workshop to discuss equipment and approaches to the 12 required A level practicals  Dan Hannard, IOP

G Preparing to teach A-level Physics: For trainee teachers, NQTs, or anyone who is about to teach A-level Physics for the first time.  This is an opportunity to discuss concerns and ways of addressing them, including suggestions for general (ie, not exam board-specific) resources.  Richard Bonella, IOP

H Making progress with energy: This workshop will develop understanding of energy stores and pathways with a focus on how students can demonstrate a growing understanding of the new paradigm. Materials to support practical work and assessment will be provided. (Repeated session).  Darren Forbes, IOP

14.00  Workshop 3: Choose from

I Connecting with Maths: Relationships between quantities are fundamental to physics and yet difficulty with the maths is often cited as one of the reasons why some students do not continue with the subject beyond GCSE.  This workshop will explore what goes wrong and how physics teachers might address the issues. Aimed at the requirements at KS3 and KS4, it will include practical work, useful activities and a wealth of good ideas.  Bob Kiddle, IOP

J Marvin & Milo: Do(n’t) do these at home!  Physics activities based on the IOP Marvin and Milo cartoons.  Come and make straw oboes, loud lollies and experience more of the series.  Ruth Wiltsher, IOP

K Polarisation, LCDs and encryption: The workshop will explore the concept of polarisation with hands-on experiments on fibre optics, lasers and LCDs displayed and temperature measurement. (Repeat session).  Phil Furneaux, IOP

L A level practicals:  A hands-on workshop to discuss equipment and approaches to the 12 required A level practicals. (Repeat session).  Dan Hannard, IOP

15:00  Evaluation & Finish