Teaching Background & Resources
Courses I teach at the University of Indianapolis:
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SCI 101: This course for preservice elementary educators focuses on building skills with the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) specified in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). It gives future educators a strong foundation in understanding how science works in multiple facets: in the professional scientific community, in society, and in the elementary classroom.
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CHEM/PHYS 100: This is an integrated physical science course that has been collaboratively re-developed with my UIndy colleagues Lori Bolyard, Stacy Hootman, and Brian Vermillion to specifically address the K-8 NSTA/ASTE Standards for Science Teacher Preparation.
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PHYS 150: Algebra-based introductory physics course (dynamics)
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PHYS 153: Calculus-based introductory physics course (dynamics)
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ESCI 207: Introductory astronomy course, including observational, stellar/galactic, and solar system astronomy.
Courses I have taught elsewhere:
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Introductory physics & astronomy labs at the University of Kansas
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Introductory astronomy courses at Washburn University
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Online lecture & lab courses in introductory astronomy and physical science for Neosho County Community College
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History of science survey course at Indiana University
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Oral communication lab sections (public speaking practicum) at Indiana University
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History and Philosophy of Extraterrestrial Life (undergraduate special topics course) at Indiana University
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Some Recommended Teaching Resources:
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Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project (http://astro.unl.edu/naap/): Simulations demonstrating astronomy concepts and models, with related lab activity materials for introductory astronomy. Includes applets helpful both for illustrating historical observational astronomy concepts and ideas, such as the celestial sphere, and demonstrating contemporary research techniques. (hosted by U. Nebraska-Lincoln)
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PhET Interactive Simulations for Science & Math (https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations): Interactive simulations for physics and other sciences. Some are better than others, but I do tend to find the electromagnetic, atomic, and quantum property simulations are helpful for use with students. (hosted by U. Colorado-Boulder)
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ComPADRE (https://www.compadre.org/): A great community clearinghouse for resources in physics and astronomy education, both for K-12 and higher education. Lots (almost too much) material, but looking at reviews and different educators' shared lesson plans can be helpful in adapting a resource from here for use in one's own classroom. Also links into PhysPort (https://www.physport.org/), an AAPT site focused on supporting and promoting research-based teaching resources in physics.
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Astrobites (https://astrobites.org/): Great resource for bringing the latest astronomy research into the classroom. Written by current graduate students from around the world, astrobites is like an ongoing news bulletin presenting the highlights of recent research articles for a more general audience. This gives students a glimpse into the current interests of the scientific community, while also offering a way for them to learn to build their own skills in reading, understanding, and evaluating scientific research writing.
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