Creating interesting and innovative physics research opportunities in the high school physics lab with accessible materials and inspiration from AAPT publications.
ORAL
Abstract
A selective STEM high school has no shortage of physics students, many are talented and extremely driven. However, the class enrolments are predominantly male and most are not contemplating tertiary physics study. To foster participation from a more diverse group and promote tertiary study, multiple opportunities to complete physics research projects are offered.
A classroom magazine rack that includes The Physics Teacher and the American Journal of Physics is used to stimulate interest and excitement in short and longer physics research projects in the high school physics lab. Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to research and design individual or group projects both curricular and extra-curricular. Students work with a mentor on projects that span astronomy, astrophysics, particle physics, optics, general relativity, quantum physics, nuclear physics, acoustics, mechanics and electromagnetism.
The projects are developed using the AAPT publications, advice from university academics, teachers and technical support staff. Projects utilise equipment common in Australian high school laboratories supplemented with adapted materials from hardware stores, electronics stores or manufactured in the school’s maker space. In addition, students make use of smart phones, video, audio, coding and school-based robotics. Students conduct experimental investigations utilizing primary and secondary data. They present their results as either written reports, conference posters or oral presentations depending on curriculum assessment or extra-curricular requirements.
A primary aim of the physics research projects is to increase the number of women and gender minorities participating and promote tertiary physics study. Under-represented students tended to flourish in the small group mentored environment. Women and gender minorities now account for 50% of project participants after 10 years with many enrolling in astronomy, physics, mathematics, engineering and radiology majors.
A classroom magazine rack that includes The Physics Teacher and the American Journal of Physics is used to stimulate interest and excitement in short and longer physics research projects in the high school physics lab. Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to research and design individual or group projects both curricular and extra-curricular. Students work with a mentor on projects that span astronomy, astrophysics, particle physics, optics, general relativity, quantum physics, nuclear physics, acoustics, mechanics and electromagnetism.
The projects are developed using the AAPT publications, advice from university academics, teachers and technical support staff. Projects utilise equipment common in Australian high school laboratories supplemented with adapted materials from hardware stores, electronics stores or manufactured in the school’s maker space. In addition, students make use of smart phones, video, audio, coding and school-based robotics. Students conduct experimental investigations utilizing primary and secondary data. They present their results as either written reports, conference posters or oral presentations depending on curriculum assessment or extra-curricular requirements.
A primary aim of the physics research projects is to increase the number of women and gender minorities participating and promote tertiary physics study. Under-represented students tended to flourish in the small group mentored environment. Women and gender minorities now account for 50% of project participants after 10 years with many enrolling in astronomy, physics, mathematics, engineering and radiology majors.
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Presenters
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Kirsten Hogg
Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
Authors
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Kirsten Hogg
Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology