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Papers to be Presented on Friday Afternoon
Keith AndrewAn Astroimaging Project at the Governor's School. Keith Andrew, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL 61920 and Robert L. Fenstermacher, Drew University, Madison, NJ 07940. Last summer we coordinated a special team project for scientifically talented high school students as part of the New Jersey Governor’s School in the Sciences using the Drew University Observatory. Students learned to collect data using SBIG ST8E and ST10 CCD cameras, the SBIG SGS Spectrometer and SBIG 8WA filter wheel. Data reduction was carried out using MIRA, VIS-Spec and Syn-Spec software coupled to the NIST atomic line list and oscillator strength database. Students became involved in astrophysical modeling of the data to track Pluto, locate Hertzsprung-Russell diagram turning points, classify and model stars and to determine elemental abundances in stars. We will share some of the insights and adventures we had with our group of burgeoning scientists throughout this residential summer program.
Equipment needs: We have a PowerPoint presentation on a Zip disk and
a copy on a CD- any system to project such a presentation is fine.
Comments: Friday Afternoon
The UIUC Physics Van Outreach Program. Mats Selen, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801. The Physics Van has been a very successful outreach program at UIUC since 1994. Volunteer undergraduates take fun, messy, noisy (and perhaps even educational) physics demonstrations to elementary schools and use these to get (and keep) the kids excited about science. I will describe this program using words, pictures and video clips.
Equipment needs: A projector I can plug my laptop PC (WinXP) into.
Comments: I need to be in Session A on Friday afternoon.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki for Physics Teachers: A Workshop Report. Raymond G. Wilson, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL 61702. We report on the successful July 2002 “pilot” workshop, describing the IWU general education Physics “Issues” course, Problems of Nuclear Disarmament. Comments from satisfied customers: “Before I enrolled in Professor Wilson's workshop, I had very limited knowledge of the seriousness of the events of WWII including the long-term biological effects of the Atomic Bombs. My lack of prior knowledge is embarrassing, but typical for those Americans in my generation who had only a few lines in a history textbook in high school noting that two bombs were dropped in Japan in August of 1945.” “...You approached the material with a clear-headed and objective view that allowed us to form our own opinions regarding the state of nuclear warfare and historical effects resulting from the first use by the U.S. on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.” “...I seriously doubt any of our students (and the vast majority of our elected officials) have any reasonable comprehension of the power and destructiveness of a single modern nuclear warhead. . . . (the workshop) was one of the most worthwhile programs I have ever attended ... a serious compliment from someone with 20 years of teaching under his belt.” “I greatly appreciated the time and trouble you put into obtaining course materials. These are a tremendous boost in developing similar courses at our home institutions. In particular the book by Glasstone and your course notes were extremely useful. My main reason for taking this workshop was to obtain materials that might help me develop an interdisciplinary course for our university honors program. I found this course to be perfect, with its combination of physics, history, politics, economics, and world affairs. I was extremely satisfied.” The workshop was supported by the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and by the SENCER program of AAC&U. More details at http://titan.iwu.edu/~physics/Hiroshima.html. We expect to repeat the workshop the week of July 7, 2003.
Equipment needs: VHS player, Overhead projector
Comments: Much prefer Friday afternoon
Professional Development Opportunities at ISU Summer 2003. Carl J. Wenning, Department of Physics, Illinois State University , Normal, IL 61790-4560. Three professional development workshops are available to Illinois high school teachers of science at Illinois State University next summer. Workshops include "Modeling Method of Instruction," "Problem-Based Learning," and "PTRA Rural Institute." Each of these workshops is residential in nature, and provide CEU's and CPDU's.
Equipment needs: video projection system for PowerPoint presentation
Comments: Friday presentation preferred.
Magnetostriction, Magnetoelastic, and Hysteresis Measurements on Heat-Treated Steels. Jason T. Orris, Ryan Gordon, Chris Jurs, and Mark S. Boley, Physics Department, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455. In this study, experiments have been performed to measure the axial and circumferential magnetic hysteresis and the engineering magnetostriction constants of two ferromagnetic high speed steel thin ring samples with varying nickel and chromium content, which are to be designed for use as non-contact magnetic torque sensors. The first sample, O-1, contains 0.3% nickel and 0.5% chromium, while the second sample, S-7, contains 0.0% nickel and 3.5% chromium. The objective was to compare the magnetic hysteresis and torque load sensitivity (field signal due to applied torque load) for the differing nickel and chromium contents as well as to determine their changes after heat-treatment, while also analyzing any possible changes in the engineering magnetostriction constant that might have occurred. The hysteresis characteristics of a particular ferromagnetic material, along with its engineering magnetostriction constant, help to determine the utility and/or efficiency of that material for a desired application. Consequently, torque load testing and hysteresis measurements were performed prior and subsequent to the heat-treating of each sample. In both cases, the circumferential hysteresis loop remained relatively unchanged, which is beneficial for a torque sensor application, where a large retentivity and high coercive force are both needed in the circumferential direction to maintain the integrity of the magnetization of the sensory region in that direction. However, the plot of field signal vs. applied torque load of the heat-treated S-7 does not demonstrate the linear nature of the O-1 and the untreated S-7 plots. Additionally, the magnitude of the sensitivity for the S-7 also diminishes subsequent to the heat-treatment, both of which are in agreement with the effects of the heat treatment on its axial hysteresis curve and its engineering magnetostriction constant.
Equipment needs: would like to be able to give a PowerPoint presentation. We will bring the talk on a zip disc
Comments: late Friday afternoon
Matthew E. Tillman
Department of Physics
Western Illinois University
Macomb,
IL
61455
Phone: (309)298-1462 1596
FAX: (309)298-2850
e-mail:
MS-Boley@wiu.edu
Analysis of Low Energy Electron Enhanced Etching (LE4) Using Emission Spectroscopy. Matthew E. Tillman, Lucas Wickham, John W. Farley, and Mark S. Boley, Department of Physics, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455. Low-Energy Electron Enhanced Etching (LE4) is a damage-free alternative to creating nanostructures in semiconductors. LE4 leaves the surface smoother than the as-grown crystal, as opposed to current techniques that often extensively damage the semiconductor surface. It allows for smaller integrated circuits to be built, thus helping to meet the demands of current technology. Although LE4 is already in use, the mechanism of LE4 is not yet entirely understood. As a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) project at the University of Nevada–Las Vegas, the mechanism for LE4 was studied analyzing the discharge under the LE4 conditions using emission spectroscopy. This particular technique was used in order to identify species present at the apparatus anode. Under certain conditions, one species found was HCl+, an ion whose presence at the anode was unexpected. The intensity of the spectral lines for several species were analyzed with varied discharge conditions to determine a positive correlation between the current, the pressure, and the intensity of the discharge. The current was found to have a linear correlation with the discharge intensity while the pressure had effectively no correlation. The discharge was also analyzed at both the anode glow and the positive column in order to determine the differences between these two regions. In both regions, the same species were found but at differing intensities. Although this research did not allow for a complete understanding of the LE4 mechanism, it will provide an important basis for future work and discovery in this area.
Equipment needs: would like to make PowerPoint presentation from Zip disk
Comments: would prefer later Friday afternoon session
Use of the Magnetic Force Microscope (MFM) for Domain Wall Imaging in Magnetoelastic Torque Sensors. Jason Wilson, Doug Franklin, and Mark S. Boley, Department of Physics, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455. We have recently determined (last year) in our laboratory that a ferromagnetic high-speed maraging steel alloy of 18% nickel in iron (known as C250) is one of the best materials for use in the construction of a "ring type" torque sensor on a non-ferromagnetic shaft used for power transmission in either industrial or transport applications. Following appropriate heat treatment of the C250 ring, we were able to create two distinct portions of the ring in which a high degree of circumferential magnetization was maintained with a saturated alignment of the magnetic domains, but with opposing directions of polarization. This is due to both the high circumferential coercive force within the material following the heat treatment, as well as the "hoop stress" induced within the ring by its shrink-fit onto the torqued shaft. The same type of magnetic arrangement in a hollow ferromagnetic shaft can be used to produce a "shaft type" torque sensor. In our case, the material used for the shaft was a steel alloy of 0.5% chromium and 0.3% nickel (known as 0-1). Previously unknown, however, has been the exact nature of the interface between these two regions of opposing circumferential magnetization. In this study, we have used the magnetic force probe of our recently acquired atomic force microscope (AFM), in an imaging technique known as magnetic force microscopy (MFM), to determine the width and sharpness of the domain wall and of the transition region between the two oppositely polarized regions of both the "ring type" and "shaft type" sensors. This study has also allowed us to determine the relative extent of the circumferential magnetization in the neighboring regions on either side of the domain wall. A comparison is also made between the domain wall widths and relative depths of magnetic alignment in the two sensor types.
Equipment needs: would like to make PowerPoint presentation from Zip disk
Comments: would prefer later Friday afternoon session
Shadows in Science and the Visual Arts. Christopher Chiaverina . Shadows are ubiquitous, but often go unnoticed. Shadows are important historically, for they provided early evidence that light travels in straight lines. Humans constantly, but unconsciously, use shadows to judge the shape of objects in their environment. Because shadows reveal much about an object’s extension in space, they are often used to heighten the illusion of depth in a painting. In this paper I will discuss some exploratory activities using shadows that may be used to introduce geometrical optics and demonstrate applications of shadows in the visual arts.
Equipment needs: overhead projector, 35-mm slide projector
Comments: Friday afternoon
Assessing the Impact of University-Sponsored Science Outreach Programs. Laurie Pichla and James Rabchuk, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455. The Scensational Science Scircus at Western Illinois University is an outreach program in the physical sciences for K-12 students. We have developed a demonstration show, traveling laboratory experiments, and a lab equipment lending program. A novel element to our demonstration show is that we have had students fill out surveys on their attitudes towards science and scientists both prior to and after the shows. We will present data on the general level of interest in and awareness of science among K-12 students in rural West Central Illinois, and also quantify in some degree the impact these demonstration shows have had on student attitudes towards science. The second part of our program is a set of traveling laboratory exercises that emphasize hands-on laboratory experiences for the sake of building up students’ science vocabulary. Students work in small teams with state-of-the-art equipment at stations set up around their classroom. Student retention of the relevant vocabulary and/or concepts is tested with short matching exercises. Significant improvement is seen in students’ understanding of the important concepts after the performance of just one lab exercise, in agreement with the results from Sokoloff and Thornton1. We will present the details of our approach and test results for a number of the experiments conducted in the field. 1. R. K. Thornton and D. R. Sokoloff, “Learning motion concepts using real-time microcomputer-based laboratory tools,” American Journal of Physics 58, 858-866 (1990).
Equipment needs: Computer with zip drive, and power point
Comments: Friday afternoon
Modeling Magnetic Fields with FEMM 3.1. James C. Gumbart and James Rabchuk. Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455. FEMM (Finite Element Method Magnetics) 3.1, a freeware program, is useful for modeling problems involving magnets, currents and magnetic fields. The applications of such a program involve both education and upper-level research. The program interface is intuitive and robust. As an educational tool, this program is useful because it handles internally the complicated equations needed to be solved when working with magnetism in matter. Since most elementary applications of magnetism involve permanent magnets, this program enables the user to calculate field energies and forces between magnets and ferromagnetic and even paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials which would otherwise be impossible to obtain. In addition, the program can help students visualize the fields, how they influence motion, and how they are influenced by the presence of magnetic materials. The program is also sufficiently accurate to serve as a useful research tool for the design and modeling of laboratory setups and running theoretical calculations in order to compare with experimental results. Analyses of several popular physics demonstrations and a particular problem related to a research project will be presented.
Equipment needs: Computer with PowerPoint, projector connected to computer, zip 100 drive
Comments: Friday afternoon
Papers to be Presented on Saturday Morning
James Brown
Millikin University
Decatur,
IL
62522
Phone: 217-424-6331
The MoNA project.
James Brown,
Millikin University,
Decatur, IL 62522.
The Modular Neutron Array (MoNA) collaboration is building a new neutron
detector, which will achieve nearly 70% detection efficiency for neutron
energies up to 250 MeV. The detector is comprised of 144 bars of
scintillating plastic (200 x 10 x 10 cm) with photomultiplier tubes on
each end to give position information for detected events. Millikin
University is one of nine undergraduate institutions involved in the
MoNA collaboration. The construction process for Millikin University's
sixteen bars will be presented. Test results show satisfactory position
resolution, both from the time difference between the ends of the bars
and by the attenuation of light along the bars. Radioactive beams of
unstable nuclei have become an important part of nuclear physics
research as we push our understanding of nuclear matter beyond the
valley of stability. Neutron rich nuclei, where the number of neutrons
is much higher than in normal nuclear matter, display many unique
properties: neutron halos, and low separation energies, among others.
Unlike charged particles, neutrons experience no Coulomb interaction,
which makes their detection difficult. It is this task for which MoNA is
designed.
Equipment needs: Mac computer Video camera
Comments: Saturday morning
Leonard Weisenthal
Lewis University
Romeoville,
IL
60466
Modellus Revisited?.
Leonard Weisenthal, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL
60466. It's heuristically elegant, readily available, and free, and yet
getting little use. In this talk the versatility of the modellus
program will be used to highlight a number of mathematical and physical
problems from solving transcendental equations, to finding eigenstates
in quantum mechanics.
Equipment needs: PC computer, video camera
Comments: Saturday morning
Friday or Saturday - To be determined
Ken MellendorfTeaching Without Lectures. Ken Mellendorf, Illinois Central college, East Peoria, IL 61356. I have never been a good lecturer. I do best when I have constant feedback, such as a discussion. During the summer I read an article: "Transforming the lecture-hall environment: The fully interactive physics lecture", David E. Meltzer and Kandiah Manivannan, Am. J. Phys. 70, 639 (2002). This, when combined with ideas inspired by various Problem-Based Learning presentations, finally fit. I can present physics to my students without wondering whether I'm getting through. My students are spending more time together. They are making a greater effort to ask questions before homework is due rather than after it is graded. I cannot yet present a complete evaluation, but I can report on how it is working so far.
Equipment needs: overhead for transparencies,
Comments: either one, so long as it is not during the council meeting.
Illinois Secondary Science Teacher Initiative. Carl J. Wenning, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4560. Currently a collaborative consisting of four universities and one community college is developing a grant proposal the purpose of which is to recruit science teaching majors. This group has adopted as a recruitment framework Science Counts!, an in-school project that demonstrates the best of science teaching practices with a twist. The presenter will describe the collaborative and its intended work.
Equipment needs: PowerPoint video projection
Comments: no time preference
Organizing Physics Students. Ann Brandon and Debby Lojkutz, Joliet West High School, Joliet, IL 60435. We have several charts we use to organize what our students know - because they don't know what they know. We will share one for kinematics, one for projectiles, and two for DC circuits.
Equipment needs: Overhead Projector
Comments: Either one
Teaching a Better Mechanics Course - we can do better. Tom Foster and Kimberly Shaw, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62026. Over the past two years, the PACER (Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry Education Research) group at SIUE has been surveying some of our introductory physics courses. Our survey instruments have included the FCI (Force Concept Inventory) for classical mechanics courses, and the CSEM (Conceptual Survey of Electricity and Magnetism) for electricity and magnetism classes. We have also collected demographic information on our students to learn more about them. Currently, our primary interest in this data is how it relates to our implementation of the new “Matter & Interactions” curriculum. This curriculum is a modern reconceptualization of what the introductory physics sequence could be. We are in our second year of our pilot testing of this curriculum. This talk will serve as a preliminary discussion of what we have discovered in the “Matter & Interactions” curriculum, as well as our work in the other introductory physics courses.
Equipment needs: computer projection system is preferred
Comments: Any time
Adam Feil
607 E. White St.
Apt. C24
Champaign,
IL
61820
Phone: 217-355-2742
e-mail:
adamfeil@uiuc.edu
Evaluating "Interactive Examples" in Introductory College Physics. Adam Feil, University of Illinous at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801. The physics department at UIUC has been working to improve their online homework system by adding "Interactive Examples" (IE's). The introductory Electricity and Magnetism course first used IE's in the Fall of 2001. A statistical model of a course's quiz scores was developed to assess the affect of the IE's. Semesters that did not use IE's fit this model extremely well. When comparing semesters without IE's to semesters with IE's, a statistically significant improvement is observed.
Equipment needs: Computer with PowerPoint connected to a projector
Comments: Either would be fine
Honors Astronomy: People of Courage. Benjamin Brown, Principia College, Elsah , IL 62028. A freshman Honors First Year Experience course sequence, recently developed at Principia College, offers three courses centered on the theme "People of Courage". The courses consist of honors level History, Music, and Astronomy. Each course features major figures within the respective field that had a profound influence on world thought. In the astronomy course, Kepler, Galileo, and Einstein are featured. Biographies of these men are assigned in addition to standard introductory astronomy material. The class has been divided up into "Kepler", "Galileo", and "Einstein" groups, enabling concentrated observations with our 16" Cassegrain telescope. The scheduled observations are designed to illustrate the scientific contributions of each man.
Equipment needs: a video projector for a power point presentation
Comments: no preference
Multi-Point Measurements of the Magnetosphere Using the Cluster II Satellites. Craig Lennon, Daniel L. Holland, Hiroshi Matusoka, Jay Ansher, Richard F. Martin, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4560. In the summer of 2000, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Cluster II mission, a group of four identical spacecrafts that travel together in a tetrahedral formation. This event heralded the beginning of a new era in space physics in which researchers, using cross-correlation between the satellites, will be able to distinguish between temporal and spatial evolution of structures in the magnetosphere for the first time. The polar orbit of the mission take the spacecrafts into regions of the earth's magnetosphere that have been relatively unexplored by previous missions. Of particular interest for this presentation are the Cluster encounters with the cusp, a region that is believed to play an important role as an entry region for solar wind particles into the magnetosphere. From early February to late March, the Cluster orbit is aligned so that the four spacecraft tend to fly through the center of the cusp. During this period in 2001, the average spacecraft separation was approximately 600 km, and we found ample evidence both for structures that were much larger than this scale and also for smaller scale structures. For 2002, the average spacecraft separation was reduced to 100 km in order to study the smaller scale structures. We present data from the Cluster encounters with the cusp during periods when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is pointing north. We first show single spacecraft data from multiple instruments to demonstrate the basic characteristics of the cusp (e.g. plasma composition, flows, fluctuation levels, etc.). Following this we will show examples of how using multi-satellite data we can identify the motion and structures of various boundary layers and waves.
Equipment needs: Overhead Projector
Comments:
Newly Registered Papers