"Particles Smarticles": Using Group Interactive Demonstrations to Model Particle Behavior

The announcement from CERN July 4th 2012 of experimental evidence of the Higgs Boson raised interest in both the physics community and the general public. Particle physics tends to be rather theoretical with few hands on activities. In this workshop we will model particle production using interactive group demonstrations. We will also show how particle production can be used in grade 12 physics to demonstrate conservation of momentum and energy. If time permits we will examine a number of interactive particle simulations that can be used as effective teaching tools in the classroom.

Biographies

James has been teaching science in general and physics in particular for more than 25 years. Teaching, like science, is constantly evolving. When James started his career the teacher centred model was still very much in place. By implementing physics education research in his classroom he has changed to a student centred model in which the students learn through collaborative peer teaching. When the students are actively engaged in problem solving in groups their conceptual understanding significantly improves. James' students not only understand the underlying concepts, they demonstrate it as they convince their peers that their explanation is the most correct. You will often find James' students out in the hallway or on the football field demonstrating wave or particle behaviour. Sitting and listening is not the way James' students learn their physics.

Saara Naudts has been teaching physics in the Peel District School Board since 2004. She is passionate about learning: whether it is growing as teacher by implementing strategies based on PER (physics education research), learning new developments in science, or integrating technology in the classroom, watching her students be successful is her goal. In her spare time she loves competing in triathlon, being the volunteer coordinator for the Canadian Cross Training Club (C3), and coaching. "Practice with emotion and purpose, perform with passion and confidence."