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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT color=#000000>The last YAPA meeting for 2008-2009 involved many lively presentations and discussions.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT color=#000000>Jodi McCullough started the evening show us a Powerpoint of behind the scenes pictures of the Shuttle being readied for launch.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She promised to share these through this medium.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She also showed Youtube videos Titled I Will Derive and Electric Lineman which amused and exhilarated.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The lineman flying in by helicopter, synching with the line voltage and crawling along in his Faraday suit lead to several discussions.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT color=#000000>Jim Andrews shared a Powerpoint <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Jeopardy game he picked up at the last Ohio section meeting.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He is willing to email to any who are interested (</FONT><A href="mailto:jandrews@ysu.edu">jandrews@ysu.edu</A><FONT color=#000000>).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Jim also discussed the new atomic force microscope the department is receiving and some of the research he and Tom Oder will be doing.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT color=#000000>Tim Battista mentioned that there are several Youtube videos put together by AP Physics and AP Calculus students that would also be worth viewing.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He also highly recommended the new Star Trek movie be viewed at an IMAX.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He found it to be an awesome viewing experience… Others remarked that they also thought the movie was well done.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT color=#000000>Karen Cordova discussed her recent read of the book “Physics for Future Presidents” recommending it highly.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She also pointed to research she had recently been reviewing regarding enrollment as physical science and mathematics majors with dismay.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This lead to a lively discussion of potential causes and some suggestion that we look at mechanisms for popularizing science investigations- milk cartons, bread wrappers, etc.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT color=#000000>Larry Sherer shared his experience working with the ODE reassuring us that the changes the governor has proposed are, at this point, long term possibilities, with the present testing and standards likely to be in effect for several more years. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He also pointed out that the consultant group he is working with are concerned that science teachers 7-12 don’t do enough laboratory investigations.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Larry suggested that lack of facilities/equipment was at least contributory to this problem and asked for confirmation from those present.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Again, a lively discussion ensued.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you have an interest in giving Larry feedback he could take with him to Columbus, you can email him at </FONT><A href="mailto:lsherer@earthlink.net">lsherer@earthlink.net</A><FONT color=#000000>.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT color=#000000>Richard Zitto announced plans for this year’s picnic.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Expect invitations soon.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He pointed out that he plans to have a giveaway table, as Pam is interested in finding parking in their garage.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT color=#000000>Mike Crescimanno shared three demos:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>1. Using an electronic balance to on a ramp to illustrate normal force.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He showed that a cheap Harbor Freight scale worked fine, but the more expensive science supply house on did not. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>2. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He discussed a unique experience helping a local company repair their cement crusher.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Their magnetic separator had come apart and they needed guidance on how to construct it.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Mike illustrated the need to have nearby poles opposing each other to increase the magnetic flux.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>3.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He demonstrated thin film interference by placing a drop of viscous fingernail polish on water in a tray. He had placed black construction paper in the bottom of the tray and when the polish had dried, he pulled the paper up with through the film attaching it to the paper, providing a permanent film.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Mike also pointed out the state funding to university has a new wrinkle which could create significant academic change.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT color=#000000>Our last contributor was Cindy Smotzer, sharing ideas she uses in the Physics of Sound class.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>First, she demonstrated using a doll with a hole in one ear the size of ear buds, then a hole through the other side in which she placed a decibel meter.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Students set the player through ear buds to the intensity they normally listen to, then observe the reading on the meter.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They are also invited to set the level to one they would use when doing a noisy activity, like mowing the grass… she ended with a discussion of a project she used this spring having students make their own instruments and performing with them.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT color=#000000>We ended the evening as usual with our giveaways.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT color=#000000>Hope you all have an excellent end to the school year and great summer.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><FONT color=#000000>Roy </FONT></P><br /><hr />Hotmail® has a new way to see what's up with your friends. <a href='http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/WhatsNew?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_WhatsNew1_052009' target='_new'>Check it out.</a></body>
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