Partnership for Integration of Computation into Undergraduate Physics

New and returning participants welcome!

Saturday November 2, 2024, 8:30am - 4pm 

An engaging workshop designed specifically for physics faculty eager to explore the integration of computation into their courses. This event will feature sessions tailored for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners, providing a platform to share experiences and discuss innovative strategies with colleagues. Additionally, you'll have valuable networking opportunities with fellow faculty from the region. Don't miss this chance to enhance your teaching and collaborate with like-minded educators!

Who Should Attend

Physics instructors at 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities, as well as high school teachers teaching AP physics or CIS physics courses. If you came to the 2023 workshop, come again! We look forward to hearing from you. If you didn't come to the 2023 workshop, please join us this Fall! 

Schedule

8:15-8:45      Arrival, Registration, and Coffee

Please sign in: Sign-in form

8:45-9          Welcome, Introductions, Review of PICUP site and available resources 

9-10             Session 1: Computation Learning Goals

What are the skills we are expecting students to gain from computation integration either over the entire major, or at a given course.  

Format: Introduction (20 min) + Discussion (40 min)

EP3 Guide to Computational Skills

AAPT Recommendations for Computational Physics in the Undergraduate Physics Curriculum

Computing in Physics Courses at Michigan State University

The Difficulties Associated with Integrating Computation into Undergraduate Physics

10-10:10      BREAK

10:10-11      Session 2: Assessment of Computational Skills

How do we assess skills obtained with computation integration

Format: Introduction (20 min) + Discussion (40 min)

11-12           Session 3: Contributed Presentations

11 - 11:10, 8 + 2 min Zengqiang Liu, Slides for Presentation

11:10 - 11:20, 8 + 2 min Gerry Ruch

11:20 - 11:30, 8 + 2 min Mike Wood

11:30 - 11:50, 15 + 5 Duncan Carlsmith

12-1             Lunch and Breakout discussions on topics folks are most interested in

12 -  12:30 Lunch at table #1

12:30 - 1  Switch tables 

1-1:15          Workshop Photo

1:15-2:00    Parallel Session 4.1 (PAN 120): Introductory kinematics and dynamics

Using spreasheets and VPython

Excel and VPython Tutorial Videos

                    Parallel Session 4.2 (PAN 110): Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics

Activities for a course based on D. Schroeder's An Introduction to Thermal Physics

2:00-2:50    Working time

Work on computational activities, adapt to your course, discuss topics of interest

2:50-3         BREAK

3:00-3:20     Session 5: Artificial Intelligence

What is the role of AI when integrating computation into a Physics course?

Format: panel + discussion

Get free access to Github Copilot for educators and students here.

3:20-3:45     Session 6: Program-wide Integration of Computation

Which change models fit which institutions?

3:45-4:00     Feedback for future meetings and wrap up

Please fill out this survey

Registration

$20, lunch included. The workshop has now happened. Come back next year!

Registration deadline: 5pm CT on Friday October 25.

Location

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Physics and Nanotechnology (PAN) building. Minneapolis, MN.

Parking: Washington Avenue Ramp