Caroline Hall's Page

Yeah, there a lot of late people that "pop" in for these things. I've done 2 and the first one had 30 some sign up and then I actually had 50 some in attendance. I think since school has started that people are a little more busy and are unavailable to make a commitment. Yesterday, I had a presentation where 1 person signed up and I had 12 in attendance.

I'll post again on Sunday to try to work out a time. Have a good weekend.

Hi Caroline,

I would be happy to assist you in anyway possible, but I have a STEM meeting at the MCESC that evening until 6:30. Sorry. That being said, let me know if I can still do anything to help.

Take Care,
Tom

Hello,

Sorry that it took me so long this time, but.....well, you know how it is ;)


Do you teach a unit on light, and if so, at which grade level?

I currently teach Technology and STEM, but in the 10 years prior I taught 8th grade general science. While my physics unit generally focused on newtons laws, I always did a review prior to the OAT over many of different forms of waves. I probably only spent 2 days on light itself, due to the fact that it wasn't in my standards, but the kids were responsible for it on the test.

What have you found to be typical misconceptions held by your students about the nature of light?

I must have been fortunate to have a good teacher beneath me, because almost of my students seem to understand basic idea that light travels in waves. The main things that I had to work on were refraction and reflection. Also, how eyes process light took some time to explain.

Did you feel adequately prepared in your degree program to teach this topic (I ask because I was not prepared......my two physics courses focused on force, motion, and electricity). I really had to beef up my own content knowledge.
I did, but I was fortunate enough to go through Wright State in the mid/late 90's after they made the shift to dual appointments. So I actually had a class on how to teach physics to elementary students. Light was one of focal points (weak pun intended).


If high school teachers include a unit on light/optics, they often cover only geometric optics, which doesn't account for phenomena like diffraction & polarization. The physics education research is indicating that even gifted kids are coming to college without a mental model of light as a wave. Consequently, it's really hard for them to transition into modern physics. Tom, do you think we should be introducing kids to these concepts as early as middle school to lay foundations?

Most definitely. I'm a firm believer in the stair step approach. All too often students go from one unrelated topic to another in a typical general science class. Additionally, the standards leave huge gaps where our students may have a certain topic in 5th grade and then not see it again until 8th. By that time, the inital momentum is often times gone or at least retarded and teachers have to start over building from the ground up.

Hope this helps,

Tom

I LOVE your Light, Vision, and Color section of the site! A couple of things that jumped out......

I like how you have descriptors for each of they days. They are easy to read and understand. I would consider adding a definition for Spectroscope. You and I know exactly what a spectroscope is but others without a rich science background may just pass up the link and miss out.

I also like the format of your resources. Things like Categories, Levels, etc are quick and easy. The rating stars should allow you to see what teachers are using and find valuable.

I wish that I had more criticisms or could offer more suggestions, but it does look really good. In fact, I planning on chacking out more of the site when I get caught up!

If you have any questions over anything specific, just send me a message.

Take Care,
Tom

Hi Caroline. Just read your message....I'll plan on calling you around noon tomorrow. Hopefully, i'll catch you. After school I'll be heading to the MCESC for A couple of STEM meetings until 8, so I won't be able to try again until Friday.

Talk to you Soon.

Tom

Hope you had a good visit! Talk to you in the morning - Kim

Hi Caroline - I will give you a call at 9am on Friday morning - 8/28. Hope you have a good trip. Kim

Caroline - Sounds great. I'll give you a call next week - what day/time works best for you? Kim

Hi Caroline - I can't remember if I actually sent you a couple of dates or not - September is pretty full up so how about October 6 at 4pm EST? Kim