The Physics Toolbox, Inc. offers a variety of training and consulting services. All professional development and consulting services are customized for your program and teachers. Here are a few of the ways we can support you:
Teacher Professional Development
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Content Training for Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers and High School Physical Science Teachers
Are your teachers using commercial physics kits but lack confidence due to insufficient content knowledge? We have trained hundreds of teachers over the last nine years! -
Integrating Probe Technology in the Physics or Physical Science Classroom
The Physics Toolbox, Inc. provides training using VernierTM Probe Technology. (www.vernier.com) -
CPUTM Training
We have seven years experience with training CPU simulation/curriculum software and pedagogy. We also wrote the new Active Physics SimulationsTM using CPUTM Simulation Software (www.its-about-time.org). For more information about CPU (Constructing Physics Understanding), check out the Learning Team website at www.learningteam.org. -
Communicating Across the Curriculum for Mathematics & Science Educators
This interdisciplinary workshop aims to build a learning community between mathematics & science teachers within schools or districts. A selection of inquiry-based activities will be customized for participants using topics universal to secondary math and science teachers. -
Curricular Units Using Problem-based Learning
These curricular materials are available for nominal fee (cost of printing) to teachers who receive professional development. The problems were developed as part of the problem-based learning initiative at the University of Delaware. (www.udel.edu/pbl/). Recommended for Physics or Physical Science classes in grades 8-11.-
"Who is the Fastest Person in the World?"
This motion unit uses a track scenario with emphasis on data collection, graphical analysis, and strobe representation of speed and acceleration. -
"Jaime's Mishap with School Bus #314"
Students construct an understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion by analyzing the events following a minor collision between a car and a bus. -
"Rollercoaster Physics"
Students are challenged to design a roller coaster for the First State Amusement Park Company. Unit emphasizes concepts of work and mechanical energy with applications of motion and force.
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"Who is the Fastest Person in the World?"
Curriculum Services
We specialize in physics curriculum design for standards-based science programs. Our focus is on student learning outcomes. How is this achieved? By designing student-centered curricula that merges science education research with best classroom practices:
- We can custom-design curricula (student activities, teacher's guides and assessments) aligned to your local or state content standards and assessments. No project too small or large.
- Using commercial physics kits? We can provide a curricular plan so that implementation can be more closely aligned with local content standards and assessments.
We also support exemplary physics education projects including:
The PTRA program: http://www.aapt.org/PTRA/index.cfm
We are members of the American Association of Physics Teachers and support the AAPT Physics Teaching Resource Agent program. Please check out their website for upcoming workshops.
The Modeling Project: http://modeling.asu.edu
The Modeling Instruction Program is using research-based curriculum to improve learning at all levels of physics, chemistry, and physical sciences.
The Physical Science Resources Center: http://psrc.aapt.org/
A comprehensive collection of information and resources for physical sciences education found on the AAPT website.