Single Session Workshops

From Distance to Resistance: Physics Demo Derby

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Jared Jax, Ed.D., and Marieke Thomas

WEDNESDAY, MAR 22

MƒA  SCIENCE

+PLEASE NOTE: TEACHERS WILL BE EXPECTED TO SHARE A DEMO OR EXPERIMENT DURING THE WORKSHOP.

Looking for ways to spice up your physics classroom? Live demos spark interest, make abstract concepts concrete, and connect physics to students’ daily lives. In this workshop, each teacher will share a demo or activity showcasing a principle of physics, along with a short written description so others can replicate the demo in their classrooms. Every teacher will leave with new ideas and activities to help students discover the beauty of physics. This workshop is intended for high school physics teachers or middle school teachers who teach a physics unit.

Dr. Jared Jax is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Staten Island Technical High School in Staten Island.

Marieke Thomas is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at The Bronx High School of Science in the Bronx.

From Phi to Pell’s Equation

Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Isabella Shen

WEDNESDAY, FEB 15

MƒA  MATHEMATICS

There are general methods to find the explicit formula for arithmetic and geometric sequences, but what about Fibonacci-style sequences x(n+1)=ax(n)+bx(n-1)? Most know the golden ratio is embedded in the Fibonacci sequence, but a lesser-known fact is its place as “the most irrational” number. Why? What’s Pell’s Equation, and how is it related to irrational numbers? In this workshop, we will seek answers by exploring some non-routine sequences and finding the explicit formula of the Fibonacci sequence with elementary algebraic methods. Then, we will examine the golden ratio’s irrational nature by introducing continued fractions. Lastly, we will use continued fractions to generate solutions to Pell’s equation and get a taste of classic algebraic number theory. This workshop is suitable for any teacher comfortable with algebra who wants to explore sequences beyond arithmetic, geometric, and introductory algebraic number theory.

Isabella Shen is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn.

The Galapagos and Nature Journaling

Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Crystal Thiele

WEDNESDAY, MAR 22 ONLINE

 SCIENCE

Salt-water snorting iguanas, nocturnal seagulls, and penguins that live north of the equator—these are just some of the unique adaptations of the animal inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands. Tap into your inner Darwin as we use nature journaling to explore photos, videos, and other resources gathered from a National Geographic expedition to the Galapagos. We will study specific animal adaptations to better understand natural selection and try our hand at nature journaling, a tool used by many scientists past and present, including Darwin, Audubon, and Goodall. We will practice these journaling activities and discuss how to recreate them in any classroom to encourage students to deepen connections to the natural world and develop a greater love of biodiversity, wherever they are. While this course may be most interesting to grade 4-9 science teachers, all are welcome.

Crystal Thiele is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at P.S. 321 William Penn in Brooklyn.

Gender-Inclusive Data Collection in Statistics and Science Classrooms p

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Susie Kang and Akil Wilson

WEDNESDAY, MAR 22 MƒA  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

How might we establish gender-inclusive data collection practices and highlight the importance of accurate and equitable gender representation in surveys and experiments? The workshop’s goal is for teachers to better understand the importance of addressing gender inclusivity when collecting data in the classroom and strategies for approaching this work with students. Teachers will examine classroom activities illuminating gender-related pitfalls in statistical and experimental data collection, including misgendering of participants (whether intentional or not) and the exclusion of nonbinary participants. We will also review excerpts from modern research to educate ourselves on current