2:00 pm - Comet Hyakutake, Cecilia Vogel, Physics Department, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL 61201, phvogel@augustana.edu

Comet Hyakutake approached within 10 million miles of the Earth in late March. This is the closest a comet has come for centuries. Visible for many nights in the Northern Hemisphere, it gave many the opportunity to view and photograph--from backyard viewers to the Hubble Space Telescope. The story of the comet and some spectacular photographs will be presented.

2:15 pm - Using Bar Charts in Introductory Physics, Curtis J. Hieggelke, Natural Science Dept., Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431, curth@jjc.cc.il.us

Alan Van Heuvelen (Ohio State University) has shown that bar charts can be used as a valuable tool for problems in energy. These have been extended to work-kinetic energy, momentum, and angular momentum. The use of these tools in the introductory physics course will be presented. *Partial support for this work was provided by NSF's DUE #9353998 and DUE #9254683.

2:30 pm - Physics Club Grade School Outreach, Kwame Bamfoagyei, Shane Boyle, Charles Haben, Loraine Pelayo, Physics Department, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL 61201, Photo-1 (Kwame, Loraine, Charles), Photo-2 (Jeremy Paschke, Kwame, Shane) Kwame-Bamfoagyei@augustana.edu, Shane-Boyle@augustana.edu, Charles-Haben@augustana.edu, Loraine-Pelayo@augustana.edu

One of the main focuses of the Augustana College physics club is to reach out to elementary schools to promote interest in and learning of science, primarily physics. It is important that children become familiar with everyday applications and have fun observing these demonstrations. Our main purpose for this presentation is to urge physics students at other colleges and universities to volunteer for these types of activities that are enjoyable and beneficial to young children everywhere. We will be outlining some demonstrations we have done that have created enjoyable responses.

2:45 pm - Teaching the Particulate Model of Matter to Non-science Majors, David P. Maloney, Department of Physics, Indiana University/Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.

This presentation will describe a project to redesign a one-semester physical science course for non-science majors. The unifying theme for the course is the particulate model of matter. A simple model - a nucleus containing neutrons and protons and electrons in orbit around it - of the atom is used throughout. The particulate model that is used is simply that all matter is made of particles that are constantly in motion and can push and pull on each other. Student difficulties understanding and applying even this basic particulate model will be presented. *Supported in part by the National Science Foundation under grant DUE-9455613.

3:00 pm - The State of High School Physics Teacher Preparation in Illinois, Carl J. Wenning, Illinois State University Physics Department, Normal, IL 61790-4560, wenning@entropy.phy.ilstu.edu

Twenty-two institutions of higher learning in the state of Illinois currently maintain programs designed to prepare high school physics teachers. The speaker recently surveyed these institutions to find out about recent graduation rates, the number of expected future graduates, available course work, and graduate programs for physics and physical science teachers. The results are not encouraging. The author will attempt to provide some insight as to why so many high school physics instructors are unqualified or under qualified crossover teachers.

3:15 pm - Not in a Vacuum, Carl E. Martikean, Horace Mann High School, Gary, IN 46404

We science teachers are a special lot. We are part and parcel of the most unique Tool for Teaching. Science is the only truly multidisciplinary subject around. Yet we do not teach it as a multidisciplinary topic. After almost 20 years in business, I returned to the classroom. I present a unique but easily adaptable perspective for classroom physics teachers that will not only increase your enthusiasm, but also your students'. In short, I will show that Physics exists NOT IN A VACUUM.

3:30 pm - NHS Physics Spectrum Day is Very Colorful !!, Charles Emmert and Hugh Ross, Noblesville High School, Noblesville, IN 46060

As a special event during Physics 1 classes after studying the section on light and color, PHYSICS SPECTRUM DAY is a very colorful event as students dress up in their assigned spectral colors (ROYGBIV) and make presentations (as color teams) during their class time about that color. The colorful outfits and badges and posters serve as physics publicity around the building and help raise interest about physics among other students--as well as providing a break from the usual routine for physics students. Sample instructions will be provided.

3:45 pm - Modeling an Exponential Decay with the CBL, Cherie Bibo Lehman, West Lafayette Jr-Sr High School, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Students can use the Calculator Based Laboratory device in concert with a graphing calculator to construct a model for the potential difference across a capacitor as a function of time. Once the data is collected by the CBL, the graphing calculator can be used to investigate the mathematical relationship between the two quantities. The exponential nature of this function along with the relationship of the time constant to the resistance and capacitance values can be deduced.

2:00 pm - The Behavior of a Slinky Spinning in a Horizontal Plane with One End Fixed, Darrell Megli, Physics Department, University of Evansville, Evansville, IN 47722.

A slinky which was mounted horizontally, with one fixed end and spun around in a horizontal plane, has been studied. A theoretical expression for its length as a function of angular velocity has been developed. Experimental data will be presented and the results compared with theory.

2:15 pm - An Inexpensive Sensor for Small Motions, Nicholas Blank and John Ross Buschert, Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana 46526

A simple motion sensor is described which is suitable for measuring small oscillations of mechanical systems. The sensor is based on the change in current in a solar cell when a shadow moves across it. The sensor can be built with locally available parts for under $20 but has a remarkable sensitivity of 10 about microns. The sensor will be demonstrated and sample data will be shown.

2:30 pm - Emergent Autopoietic Behavior in a Quantum Celluar Automaton J. Ellis, S. Schultz, E. W. Flint, K. R. Roos, J. P. Kenny, Dept. of Physics, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625

A unique cellular automaton, the quantum cellular automaton (QCA), is advanced as a candidate process for describing basic quantum mechanics in real space and real time. The QCA evolves in a confined lattice space-time (a Gitterwelt, a la Heisenberg) according to a rule arising from the Dirac free particle equation for fermions. Autopoietic (self-forming) processes, including zitterbewegung and archetypal structures emerge and can be used on different 3+1 D scales to describe diverse fermionic systems such as atoms, nuclei, and elementary particles. Fractal characteristics can be associated with the QCA and hint at an intimate link between chaos/fractal properties and the fundamental roots of quantum physics. The QCA describes a quantum process world striving to survive in real space and time. This picture is distinct from the particulate and wave views endemic in elementary quantum explanations at present.

2:45 pm - The Length of the Quickest Simple Pendulum for a Fixed Amplitude, Hasan Fakhruddin, The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306-0655.

I will determine an important result graphically using Mathematica software. For a simple pendulum, if the angular amplitude is small, its time period is given by:T = 2*pi*sqr(L/g). However, if the angular amplitude is increased, the time period increases. For an angular amplitude of 90 degrees, the time period is almost 16% greater than that for small angular amplitudes. For a given linear amplitude, A< the smallest length of the simple pendulum is L=A, which corresponds to an angular amplitude of 90 degrees. Now, keeping the linear amplitude A fixed, if L is increased, the time period, T, tends to increase because the length is increasing, but tends to decrease because the angular amplitude is decreasing. It is shown graphically that as the length is increased, the time period passes through a minimum for a length which is about 5.5% greater than the smallest length.

3:00 pm - The EMF Induced when a Bar Magnet Oscillates in a Coil, George Nickas, Hanover College, Hanover, IN 47243

Experimental measurements have been made of the electromotive force induced when a toy bar magnet oscillates in and out of a wire coil. Both as functions of position and time, the measurements were compared to the induced emf predicted by Faraday's Law. For the purposes of calculation of changing magnetic flux, the field due to a current carrying solenoid of finite length was assumed. Simulated results appear to closely match those of the experiment.

3:15 pm - Linear Momentum Conservation - One Set of Data and Three Analyses, Darryl Steinert, Hanover College, Hanover, IN 47243-7311

From spark data showing the location of pucks on an air table it is possible to show conservation of linear momentum via: (1) a straightforward analysis of the location and time data; (2) determining the path of the center of mass. A third analysis involves using the location and time data to transfer to a moving frame to see if the two pucks leave the scene of the collision at right angles if one is at rest before the collision. This last analysis shows the students that momentum is conserved even if kinetic energy isn't because most assume that the nature of the collision guarantees that kinetic energy is also conserved. The first two show the convenience of the idea of the center of mass and how one can argue that the idea of conservation of linear momentum is an extension of the Law of Inertia.

3:30 pm - Quantum Mechanics, Attributes: Complete or Not?, Jonathan O. Brooks, Ret. Adj. Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47803

Successor theories hope to blend with relativity, and quantum gravity. The adiabatic principle spawned Jacobian complexity. A real domain spreadsheet formulation including gravity, can correlate the spectra of H2, Na, obviate the Hamiltonian, and vindicate Einstein's incompleteness contension. Bell theorem experiments notwithstanding, hidden variables are viable. The virial theorem controls quantum jump. We can reintroduce temperature, Q.M.'s lost variable.

3:45 pm - Take 5: Measurements of Fundamental Constants, John Askill, Millikin University, Decatur, IL 61522

8:00 am - An LVDT Strain Gauge Measurement of Impulse, Tim Weber, Keith Andrew, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL 61920

A resistive strain gauge is used in a bridge circuit in an effort to measure the impulse of a solid propellant rocket engine. The deformation of the gauge is digitally sampled during a burn sequence and the thrust is calculated and plotted using a computer. The impulse curve may be used to examine the time dependence of the engine force and to analyze features of rocket flight.

8:15 am - Requiring Elementary Education Students to Perform Simple Science Demonstrations in Front of their Peers, Purna C. Das, Purdue University North Central, Westville, IN 46391

I teach a course in physical science to elementary education majors. Most of the students who take the course have essentially no background in science and particularly physics. Although the course is required and terminal, it is not intended to prepare science teachers. One goal of the course is to set the stage for acquiring skills needed for continued learning long after the course is over. One of the ways I have tried to motivate student interest in science and particularly in physics is to require them to design and perform simple demonstrations in front of their peers. Evaluation is based on performance and explanation of the demonstration. I will discuss a few of the demonstrations the students have done in the past and my own assessment of the practice as a skill development tool.

8:30 am - Adiabatic Compression, James Vermillion, Merrillville High School, Merrillville, IN 46410

Using the PASCO Scientific adiabatic compression apparatus along with Vernier's MPLI to find gamma (g) for a diatomic gas and also the work done during the compression. Air will be the gas used for the compression since it is a very close approximation to a diatomic gas. I will also show the spreadsheet and graphing capability of Vernier's Windows program for the MPLI. A large class can use the one piece of apparatus and acquire data in a very short time.

8:45 am - Setup of Cryostat, Magnet and Sample Probe for Mossbauer Experiments, Shawn K. Reynolds, Charles Schulz, Knox College, Galesburg, IL 61401.

We have set up a variable temperature (4.2K-RT), variable field (0-9T) spectrometer for taking Mossbauer data on iron-containing proteins. The sample probe must accurately position the Co57 source and sample holder (with Hall probe, thermistor, and heater) relative to the superconducting magnet in the cryostat, with stringent constraints on probe size and vibrational stability. This talk will describe how Mossbauer spectra are taken, discuss some of the problems encountered in developing our sample probe, and discuss how they were solved.

9:00 am - Using Maple in College Physics Classes, Michael Moloney, Dept. of Physics and Applied Optics, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN 47803, moloney@nextwork.rose-hulman.edu

As part of a project funded by NSF, a large number of physics problems have been solved in both Maple and Mathematica. Examples will be given from introductory mechanics, electricity/magnetism, waves, and also from electromagnetic theory. Problems and solutions are available at the Web site http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~moloney/index.html.

9:15 am - Clinical Experiences for Preservice Physics Teachers, Carl J. Wenning, Illinois State University Physics Department, Normal, IL 61790-4560, wenning@entropy.phy.ilstu.edu

A collaborative consisting of some thirty high school physics, chemistry, biology, and technology teachers worked side-by-side with ISU science and technology teacher education instructors throughout 1994-1995 to improve pre-professional clinical and student teaching experiences. The project director will share goals, procedures, and the work of the Alliance that has culminated in the creation of the 174-page Clinical Experiences & Student Teaching Handbook.

9:30 am - Take 5, Howard Brooks, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN 46135

9:37 am - Take 5, Andy Hauger, 3816 South U.S. Hwy. 231, Greencastle, IN 46135

10:00 am - An Inquiry Based Mechanics Laboratory on Resonance, John Ross Buschert, Goshen College, Goshen, IN 46526

We have initiated a new inquiry based introductory physics laboratory in which students carry out one main experiment of their own design over the course of many weeks. Very different individual mechanical systems are provided for each group but all share the basic phenomena of resonance of a damped and driven oscillator or systems of oscillators. The systems allow students to experience phenomena referred to in upper level courses but with an ability to directly see the meaning and effects of phase shift, damping, and to connect the same mathematics to a variety of mechanical situations. The design of the systems will be discussed including a very simple motion sensor for the computer interface and some sample experimental reports will be shown.

10:15 am - The Square Gyroscope, Thomas M. Snyder, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, IL 62794-9256

A heuristic model for discussing gyroscopic motion will be presented. The model, which is of square shape, is easy to analyze and provides considerable insight into gyroscopic behavior. It will be shown how the precession rate of the gyro can be obtained by a direct application of Newton's laws of motion without invoking the concepts of torque and angular momentum.

10:30 am - Local Directions and Times of Sunrises and Sunsets, Ik-Ju Kang and Guy Arras, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62026

Local directions and times of sunrises and sunsets have been derived. In the local coordinates system where xl , vl , zl - axes are directed to East, North and Zenith, the angular coordinates of the Sun (ql , fl) satisfies cos(ql) sin(ql) sin(l) + sin(ql) cos(l) sin(fl) = sin(23 deg 25') … sin[w(t - to)]. Here, w = 360 deg/365.25 days, t - to = days measured from vernal equinox, l = the latitude of the location. Sunrises and sunsets correspond to ql - 90 deg 50'. The fl represents at the sunset and sunrise times the direction of the events.

10:45 am - So You Have a Glass of Water?, Fred W. Zurheide, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1654, fzurhei@siue.edu

Sometimes students still ask new questions. This one came up from a group of physics teachers at the recent APS March Meeting in St. Louis. An inverted filled glass of water is lifted from the bottom of a tank of water. How does the upward force on it compare to the weight of an empty glass in air and the weight of a glass in air filled with water? A demonstration and a discussion of the results will be given. You too might be surprised!

Noon - Illinois Section Representative Report, Curtis J. Hieggelke, Natural Science Dept., Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431, curth@jjc.cc.il.us