Chicago Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers

Spring Meeting, March 13, 2004

Argonne National Lab, Advanced Photon Source

 

8:00 am – 8:30am   Registration, coffee and donuts.

 

8:30 am – 8:35 am  Greetings

 

8:35 am – 8:50 am ********************************************************************************************

SONA

Peter Insley

Columbia College Chicago

 

In Southwest Africa, mainly Angola, the Chokwe (chock way) use sona, or sand drawings to illustrate their stories, proverbs, riddles, etc.  The drawings are lines that weave through a matrix of dots.  We will see how the number of lines to complete the drawing depends on the common factors in the rows and columns of the dots.  And I'll tell you a story! Thanks to Paulus Gerdes and the Exploratorium Teacher Institute.

 

8:50 am – 9:05 am ********************************************************************************************

Physics of Flutes

Casey Arcese and Drossos Gazis

Loyola University, Chicago

 

We are studying the acoustical properties of flutes, including impedance, structure, and dynamics. Our basic objective is to understand how different mouthpieces and construction materials affect the sound of flutes. We are investigating the interplay between creation of the sound waves with various mouthpieces and wave propagation through the body of flutes constructed of copper and PVC. Using an airflow generator as a source, we have measured frequency, intensity and pressure in the mouthpiece-flute combinations to better understand how the different sounds are created. We will discuss the experimental and theoretical aspects of our study and possible practical applications.

 

9:05 am – 9:35 am ********************************************************************************************

The Physics, Physiology and Sociology of Cats

Gordon P. Ramsey

Loyola University, Chicago

 

In many ways, cats are uniquely fascinating. From their running and leaping capacity to uncanny night vision, cats amaze us with abilities that humans do not possess. Using experience at raising more than 100 cats, I will discuss the physical, physiological and sociological characteristics of felines and how they are interrelated. Cat characteristics provide an interesting way to discuss these interdisciplinary topics and how physics plays an important role in understanding them.

 

9:35 am – 9:50 am ********************************************************************************************

Microsoft Train Simulator

Donald Kanner

Lane Technical High School

 

We will be presenting a 15 minute review of Microsoft's Train Simulator, focusing on the tremendous potential it has for the enhancement of high school physics teaching through the simulation of conceptual problems, mathematical problems, and entire laboratory investigations.  The presentation will be accompanied by a paper filled with munerous suggestions for classroom activities and the answers to many questions that the 15 minute time limit will not permit.

9:50 am – 10:05 am ******************************************************************************************

The Transit of Venus

Laura M. Nickerson

Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy

 

Venus will transit the sun on the 8th of June this year.  A transit of Venus is one of the more rare astronomical occurrences (the last transit of Venus was in 1882, the next is in 2012), and has had much historical significance.  Transits are only observed of the inner planets, and occur when the planet passes in front of the sun from the perspective of Earth.  Transits are only possible during certain months of the year – the planets must literally be “aligned”.  I will provide some historical and mathematical background and hints for observing the transit and for sharing the experience with your students (best advice – a trip to Europe!). 

 

10:05 am – 10:15 am  Break  ************************************************************************************

 

10:15 am – 10:30 am ******************************************************************************************

James Clark

Northeastern Illinois University

 

10:30 am – 10:45 am *****************************************************************************************

Hysteresis and Energy Dissipation in Bungee Cord

John Milton

DePaul University

Cloth covered elastic cord displays a nonlinear force vs. displacement curve that is different for increasing and decreasing applied force. Why is this? What does this imply for oscillations of a loaded cord?

 

10:45 am – 11:45 am *****************************************************************************************

 

Dr. Mark Walter

Oakton Community College

John Quintana

Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Lab

 

11:45 am – 12:00pm ******************************************************************************************

Take-Fives

Does the Material Transmit EM Waves or Shield a Detector from a Source of EM Radiation?

Janet Landato, Harper College

 

This presentation is part of an interactive demonstration that was used in an astronomy class.  The source of EM radiation is an FM radio station.  The detector is a portable radio.  Common materials such as plastic serve as potential shields.  The demonstration is an introduction to the topic of the electromagnetic spectrum and modern multi-wavelength astronomy. A NASA poster on electromagnetic radiation suggested this activity.  Participants will receive copies of a “prediction grid”.

 

High School and College Interns at APS

Roy Coleman, Morgan Park High School

 

 

12:00 pm – 12:15 pm  Business Meeting

 

12:15 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch at the 401 Grill

 

1:00 pm - ?  Tour/Workshop at APS