In August of 1990, 17 high school physics teachers will have the opportunity to participate in an Optical Science workshop at San Jose State University (SJSU). The two week workshop will use the He-Ne Laser as a tool to study optics and applications of a Laser. Activities include fifteen basic exercises covering geometrical optics, beam manipulation, beam modulation, fiber optics, interference, diffraction, and holography. The teachers will literally take away from the workshops all the equipment and skills they need to start teaching these concepts the following day| The necessary electro-optical devices and equipment are provided by SJSU and corporate partners. Prior to the August workshops, a sub-set of five teachers and the PI, joined by a visiting scholar from the UK, will set up the workshop laboratory and establish, with the educational consultant, basic lesson plans. In addition a menu of research (interesting phenomena) topics will be generated. Follow-up activities include establishing and supporting seventeen photonic stations at seventeen different high schools in the area surrounding San Jose State University through the 1990-91 academic year. Each station will have a laser, oscilloscope, digital voltmeter, and an assortment of inexpensive devices sufficient for all fifteen prescribed exercises. These stations will use the cost shared equipment. Teachers use of this equipment will be supported on a daily basis through an electronic bulletin board. Data and ideas will be shared via a Newsletter. Cost sharing from SJSU in an amount of $27,570 equals 40% of the NSF award. In addition, there are corporate and professional association equipment and money cost sharing contributions.
