ToPPS and Project Oklahoma Whiteboard

Steven J. MaierNorthwestern Oklahoma State University

AOK AAPT @ Enid, OKNovember 2 - 3, 2012

1997 Physics “Rumor”

Data Collection Commiserating Action

Disbelief

Origin of Interest to Action

Money to spend . . .

• $5,000 budget to make an impact among ToPPS participants– “High tech”– Eye catching equipment (one per teacher)

- OR -• Can $5,000 make a statewide impact?– Low tech?– Reaching out with unsolicited gesture

Cameras LabPro LabQuest

ClickersClass sets of whiteboards?

What is POW?

FUTURE OF TOPPS?

• ToPPS III & IV to be held in 2013 and 2014– 1 week summer institutes– 1 follow up session each (at least)– 2 regional outreach services each (at least)

• All OK science teachers eligible– Priority given• Those seeking certification in HS physics• Previous ToPPS attendees

Pre-testHS Biology Teacher

Post-testHS Biology Teacher

ToPPS I

ToPPS II

ToPPS III

ToPPS IVMore OK Physics Teachers

Demographics

Male10Female

19

0 - 5 yrs 6 - 10 yrs 11 - 15 yrs 16 - 20 yrs 21 - 25 yrs 26 - 30 yrs 30+ yrs0

2

4

6

8

10

12Years of Teaching Experience

Male; 8Female;

14

0 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 25 26 - 30 31+0123456789

10

Demographics

ES MS HS0

5

10

15

20

25

Astronomy

Biology

Chemistry

Computer Science

Earth Science

Mathematics

Physical Science

Physics

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

ES MS HS02468

101214

AstronomyBiology

ChemistryComp. Sci

Earth SciMath

Physical SciPhysics

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

1st Year59%

2nd Year41%

2011 2012

Demographics

Number of years in ToPPS

Acknowledgements

• Brian Lamore, Evelyn Restivo (PTRA leaders)• Jim Nelson & Karen Jo Matsler (PTRA)• Saeed Sarani & Lisa Holder (OSRHE)• NWOSU Administration, School of Arts & Sciences,

Departments of Natural Science and Education• ToPPS participants!

sjmaier@nwosu.edu

@SteveMaier_