During each of three years, Project PHYSLab will serve 20 high school physics teachers. The focus of Project PHYSLab is a three-week workshop for 20 teachers to learn and experiment with current technology designed to help students understand fundamental concepts in nature. Teachers work with Microcomputer Based Laboratory (MBL) interfaces, spreadsheets, and a variety of physics related courseware. Teachers experiment with motion, force, temperature, magnetic field, light, sound and radioactivity probes. Computer interfacing experiments include the use of photo- gates and "Smart Pulleys". In addition to the assortment of instructional hardware, a wide variety of physics-related software is used for data analysis. Graphical analysis, equation fitting programs, spreadsheets, simulation software, and mathematical programs are all available for data analysis, computational instruction, and independent study. Not all PHYSLab experiments require the use of a computer. A low-cost digital timer yields excellent data in projectile motion, free-fall, sound, and simple harmonic motion experiments. Non-computer laboratory equipment provides graphical methods for analyzing two-dimensional collision problems. Innovative laboratory experiments focus on fundamental and subtle concepts that students frequently find difficult. Many of the experiments are designed to overcome misconceptions students bring to the physics classroom. Project PHYSLab prepares teachers to help their students hypothesize, think, reason, understand, challenge, and analyze as they examine fundamental scientific ideas. Project PHYSLab will prepare well-prepared physics teachers to lead workshops for their peers. Each participating teacher will give at least two such workshops during the academic year following the summer workshop. Workshops will be held at Catlin Gabel School, Portland, OR and at national meetings of the American Association of Physics Teachers. Project PHYSLab is dynamic in nature. The workshop will continue into the future using the world-wide Internet for an extensive system of follow-up support and interactive experiences. A network of follow-up activities and services is in place so that the support for the teacher continues well after the formal workshop ends. This support is continuous and immediate. The PI is Lowell Herr of Catlin Gabel School. Cost-sharing equals 60% of the NSF award.
