Everyday Einstein: The GPS and Relativity

Did you know that GPS must take into account both Special Relativity and General Relativity? During this workshop, we will be exploring The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics’ new resource package. It includes a short six minute DVD and lots of demonstrations, activities and worksheets. During this workshop, we will explore some of the activities and worksheets. The activities and worksheets can be used in a wide variety of programs – including Grade 9 Astronomy, Grade 11 Physics and Grade 12 Physics. The resource provides a real life application of special relativity and also allows us to discuss frames of reference in the context of General Relativity. Each participant will be provided with a resource package at the conclusion of the workshop, which contains the DVD and teacher’s guide. Teachers will also be provided an opportunity to construct their own artificial gravity and anti-gravity demonstration equipment.

Lisa Lim-Cole has been teaching physics since September 2000 at Uxbridge Secondary School (Durham District School Board) and is currently the Science Department Head. She obtained her physics degree from McGill University and completed her Bachelor of Education degree at Queen’s University. Lisa is an Associate Teacher with The Perimeter Institute’s Teacher Network, which works to provide workshops for physics teachers. She has recently worked as a facilitator for the EinsteinPlus Conference for physics teachers at The Perimeter Institute and is continuing to help support physics teachers by providing subject based PD in Durham. Lisa has provided PD opportunities for science teachers in a variety of topics including the “The Mystery of Dark Matter”, “Planck’s Constant Lab”, “Challenge of Quantum Reality”, “GPS and Relativity”, “Use of Technology in Science”, “Using Art and Drama in Science”, and “Science and Math Connections” to name a few. As the new school year starts, Lisa looks forward to working with other passionate teachers to develop and deliver engaging subject-based PD for science teachers.