Friday, September 29

Saturday, September 30

A1. 8:00-8:15. William McNairy,Dept. of Physics, Duke University

Integrating Teaching Technologies into the Introductory Physics Classroom

Abstract: This talk will cover the present and past applications of teaching technologies to the Physics classroom.  I will describe/discuss briefly experiences with online homework systems, classroom polling with peer instruction, and online course management.

A2. 8:15-8:30. Thomas Dooling, UNCP

What’s wrong with the calculator?

Abstract: After ten years of teaching introductory physics, I have come to the conclusion that the overall effect of the calculator, in the introductory classroom, is negative! Students lose their ‘feel’ for correct answers and instead come to believe that they cannot even remotely guess correct answers without ‘their’ calculator. The calculator also produces an overall weakness in algebra skills, producing students who falter when confronted with more complex problems. Anecdotal evidence will be presented to support my thesis. In addition, textbook problems will be shown that can be solved using gross approximations and still yield fairly good answers.

A3. 8:30-8:45. Mikhail Agrest, College of Charleston

Recurrent learning in Physics Labs

Abstract: The Recurrent method of studying a phenomenon or a device enhances learning process, excites students with the visualization of the results of their work. Based on a hypothesis or on an accepted theory, students examine the phenomenon in the forward performed study to use results of direct measurements to calculate unknown parameters. In the backward study students use the magnitude of those parameters to predict measurable parameters. Precision of the prediction depends on the quality of the results of the forward performed experiment. Visual assessment of students’ prediction of the results emotionally involves students and makes learning process more effective.

A4. 8:45-9:00. Gerald Meisner, UNC Greensboro

Virtual Science Laboratories

Abstract: Can we author highly interactive, asynchronous laboratory courses which include student decision-making, selection of equipment and instrumentation, data collection and analysis and the capability to make mistakes?  The LAAPlatform Group at UNC Greensboro has produced modular and extensible architecture which answers these challenges.  Central to the laboratory environment is the dialog between user and virtual tutor; branching based on student answers permit nearly one-to-one tutoring. A back end database permits extensive research on cognitive learning.  Developmental strategies and preliminary learning outcomes for LAB-Physics, an algebraic college level course in mechanics based on the LAAPlatform will be presented.

B1. 1:00 – 1:15. Chuck Stone, North Carolina A&T State University

Enhancing North Carolina’s Physics Teacher-Preparation Programs

Abstract: In the past four years, the 16-campus University of North Carolina System has produced a grand total of three physics teachers.  Many physics departments and schools of education pursue physics teacher-preparation independently, maintaining traditional university structures that separate pedagogy from content.  To help remedy this problem, the NCS-AAPT should help develop stronger, collaborative interactions between physics departments and schools of education at each UNC System campus.  This presentation will suggest ways the NCS-AAPT can enhance North Carolina’s physics teacher-preparation programs.  An open discussion at the end of this talk will address members? Thoughts on the NCS-AAPT’s role in this endeavor.

B2. 1:15 – 1:30. Jose D'Arruda, University of North Carolina Pembroke

International Collaboration: A strategy for increasing the pipeline for secondary physics teachers.

Abstract: There is a recognized problem of the lack of production of secondary physics teachers in North Carolina. In his inaugural address, Erskine Bowles, president of the UNC system said, “in the past four years, our 15 schools of education at the University of North Carolina turned out a grand total of three physics teachers." In contrast there is an abundance of qualified and prepared secondary physics teachers in places like Tomck Siberia from federation Russia system. In this paper we will describe a collaboration UNCP is developing thru faculty and student exchange that may help produce needed physics teachers for North Carolina

B3. 1:30 – 1:45. Frederick Bingham, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Teaching Physics and History in a College Learning Community

Abstract: As a part of a campus learning community, we teach Liberal Arts Physics, Western Civilization from 1650 and an integrative life / study skills seminar to a group of approximately 24 incoming college freshman students.  The students live in the same dorm together as well.  The courses emphasize the many connections between science, technology and the development of western civilization.  The idea is for the students to understand that physics, far from being a dry and value-free subject, comes out of a rich historical background.  The people involved in the development of physics had quirks, faults and passions, like the rest of us.  And those developments in science and technology were often key in advancing the progress of western civilization.

The connections between the courses are created in several ways.  There is a joint 5-10 page writing assignment where the students study individual historical physicists.  They look at their principal discoveries and findings and place them and their science into historical context.  In the physics class, we stop in the middle of every lecture and take 5-10 minutes to learn about of the life history of some physicist, Galileo, Newton, Ben Franklin, etc.  Finally, in the history class, we read significant portions out of a book on the history of science and discuss such subjects as the interaction between science and religion, and the social context in which the scientific revolution occurred in 17th century England.

B4. 1:45 – 2:00. Rajive Tiwari, Belmont Abbey College

Physics Education, Religion and Colonialism in 19th Century India

Abstract: The traditional understanding of the universe in India has consisted of two distinct variants. Some Hindu religious texts contain descriptions of cosmology, astronomy and geography which is very different from descriptions found in texts that belong to the rationalist and to some extent empiricist works. In order to provide legitimacy to the colonial rule over India, the British felt compelled to convince the Indians of their superiority in all aspects of life. This was also the case for scientific knowledge.

C1. 2:15 – 2:30. Joe Heafner Catawba, Valley Community College

Critical Thinking in Introductory Astronomy

Abstract: Most introductory science courses advertise critical thinking, but my observations indicate that very few courses actually spend any time developing the skills necessary to approach science. In this talk, I will outline the approach I have taken to build critical thinking skills in CVCC's introductory astronomy courses. Sample materials will be available.

C2. 2:30 – 2:45. Harlan Devore, Cape Fear High School

Science Teacher

Abstract: Some Cape Fear High School students don't just learn about science -- they learn science by becoming research scientists.  Using astronomical images, our research students have found new supernovae, recovered and measured Near Earth Objects, and found new asteroids. We mine astronomical data bases such as Sloan Digital Sky Survey to do authentic research projects.  Last year, we found a new way to measure Hubble's constant, measured galaxy metallicity, and searched for hidden blazars.  We learn science by doing science!

C3. 2:45 – 3:00. Wolfgang Christian, Mario Belloni, Davidson College

Open Source Physics Curriculum Material for Relativity

Abstract: There are many reasons to create computer-based material for relativity.  Special and general relativity are full of (apparent) paradoxes, and, like quantum mechanics, captivate students’ interest in physics.  We report on the development of new Open Source Physics (OSP) simulations and curricular material created for the exploration of relativity. Examples, including the gravitational red shift and the trajectories of particles and light rays in the vicinity of non-spinning and spinning black holes, will be shown. Additional examples are available at: http://www.opensourcephysics.org/.

Partial funding for this work was obtained through NSF grant DUE-0442581.

C4. 3:00 – 3:15. John Hubisz, North Carolina State University

Physics 'N' Eggs

Abstract: Do you have a demonstration for a neutron star?  Would you like a couple of experiments that can be eaten afterwards?  How about introducing some humor into the classroom?

S1. 2:15 – 2:30. Anthony Dent, Lumberton High School

Influence of Solar Radio Bursts on Jovian Radio Emissions

Abstract: We used two radio telescopes, one aimed at the Sun and the other aimed at Jupiter, to investigate the possibility of a correlation between Jovian and solar radio emissions at 20.1 MHz. For each solar burst detected, we examined the Jovian data for significant deviations from background level. Our data showed that no correlation existed. (Sponsored by Jonathan Bennett, NCSSM)

S2. 2:30 – 2:45. James Wells, Davidson College

Photodetachment spectroscopy from the 2P1/2 state of the S- ion

Abstract: While much work has been done to investigate the electron affinity of the negative sulfur ion, the 2P3/2 à 3P2 threshold, relatively little has been investigated at the 2P1/2 à 3P2 threshold. This is the lowest lying threshold for sulfur. Our apparatus includes a Penning ion trap and a cw tunable dye laser. We observe a threshold energy and can indirectly measure the spin-orbit splitting of the ion. (Sponsored by Mario Belloni)

S3. 2:45 – 3:00. Mona Shaban, Davidson College

Optical Trap Calibrations of Chlamydomonas Cells

Abstract: We are studying generation of swimming force as the flagella of Chlamydomonas reindardtii, a biflagellated, unicellular organism, are regenerated.  An optical tweezers apparatus, a laser using gradient forces to trap objects, is used to measure the force exerted by the Chlamydomonas cells over time.  We are currently calibrating the optical tweezers by measuring the force exerted by the tweezers on a dead Chlamydomonas cell at different power levels.  We use two independent calibration methods: 1) the step response, which models the system as a damped harmonic oscillator, and  2) the power spectral density, which measures the motion of a dead cell in the frequency domain.  This talk will also describe future anticipated work when calibration of the apparatus is complete. (Sponsored by Mario Belloni)

S4. 3:00 – 3:15. Audrey Cundari, Davidson College

Measuring the Barrier to Rotation of the 3-APS molecule using Dielectric Spectroscopy

Abstract: Corrosion and friction are the direct result of the arrangement, movement, and electrical properties of a materials’ surface molecules.  Surfaces coated with silane self-assembled monolayers have been show to reduce friction and corrosion in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way.  The internal barrier to rotation in these molecules have a direct effect on their surface properties.  By attaching a polar amine head to silane molecules, we were able to directly measure the internal barrier to rotation of the 3-APS molecule using dielectric spectroscopy.  In my presentation, I will discuss the silane monolayer fabrication process, as well as the spectroscopic results and potential implications of an improved understanding of the rotational properties of the 3-APS molecule. (Sponsored by Mario Belloni and John Yukich)

S5. 3:15 – 3:30. Helen Chappell, UNC-Chapel Hill

The Quest for Understanding "Hot Jupiters"

Abstract: More than 200 extrasolar planets have been discovered to date, many of these belonging to a unique category known as ‘hot Jupiters’.  Attempts to understand the evolution and structure of these planets have faltered, as we lack complete data on most of them.  Detecting a transiting planet provides more of this information than the more common radial velocity detection method, but few such detections have been made.  I have planned a series of targeted observations, in collaboration with transitsearch.org, to search for transiting hot Jupiters and begin to fill in the observational gaps in this field. (Sponsored by Wayne Christiansen)

NC Astronomers’ Meeting Poster Session (10:00-10:45am, McKinnon D)

P10. John Mattox, Fayetteville State University

Daytime Utilization of a University Observatory for Laboratory Instruction

Abstract: Scheduling convenience provides a strong incentive to fully explore effective utilization of educational observatories during daylight hours. I present two compelling educational activities: daylight observation of Venus, and the use of a CCD camera to determine the surface temperature of a sunspot. With a clear sky, and when its elongation exceeds ap. 10 degrees, Venus is apparent in the daytime sky once a telescope is pointed at it. This can be accomplished either with a digital pointing system, or with setting circles on an equatorially mounted telescope using the Sun to initialize right ascension. Using the telescope pointing direction as a reference, it is then also possible under good circumstances for students to see Venus in the daytime sky with their naked eyes. Students may use a CCD image to estimate the sunspot temperature using the nominal surface temperature of the Sun, the Stefan-Boltzmann law, and the ratio of the intensity of the sunspot surface to that of the adjacent normal surface.

P11. Jyoti Nair, North Carolina A&T

Space and Atmospheric Facility at North Carolina A&T State University

Abstract: The Study of Space and Atmospheric Physics is planned at Department of Physics, NC A&T State University, NC, to meet the needs of the minority community to build a general capability in atmospheric/space science as a necessary support for academic infrastructure development. This course is intended for graduate and undergraduate students who wish to pursue research in space/atmospheric physics. In order to fortify this effort, we have initiated a collaborative work with US Air Force and GSFC, NASA. The main rationale of this proposed project work is to investigate the current scientific issues associated with Magnetosphere-Ionsophere-Thermosphere System (MITS) like the Total Electron Content (TEC) variations, scintillations and disturbances, and the morphology/manifestations of Ionospheric Spread F phenomena that vary with locations (longitude and latitude), especially over low and mid-latitudes, which is also an important diagnostic for understanding space weather. In addition to this, we plan to install two ground based instruments, a magnetometer and a coherent beacon receiver, at North Carolina A&T State University (a mid- latitude station: Geog. Latitude ~36 degree N), to provide local measurements for geomagnetic activity and TEC/scintillations effects respectively. Scientists, teachers/ professors and students who are interested in studying the space/atmospheric physics and located at different institutions can also make use of these facilities. This work will be the first of its kind in the sense that it will be first ground-based instruments to be installed in North Carolina in a minority community university (HBCU) as a part of Research and Education outreach in space/atmospheric physics. Some of these aspects are discussed here.

P12. Matthew Brown and Christian Kaltreider, UNC-Asheville

Temperature Control of Electronics in a Radio Telescope Feed

Abstract: Our project is part of the creation of a radio interferometer utilizing 26m radio telescopes at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI). Toward this goal, this project's focus is the reduction of thermal noise and achieving gain stability in signal amplification electronics via temperature control. Devices and their control schemes were investigated in a laboratory simulation of a telescope's feed box. Stability was achieved within 1 degree Celsius in an outer enclosure and within 0.1 degree Celsius in an inner enclosure. This work was carried out through the 2006 PARSEC Internship Program, and was supported by NASA Award NNG05GQ66, the North Carolina Space Grant, and the Glaxo-Wellcome Endowment at UNCA.

P13. Tom English, Guilford Technical Community College

1900 May 28:  the Day Wadesboro North Carolina was the Center of American Astrophysical Research

Abstract: The Solar Eclipse of 1900 May 28 provided a unique opportunity to mobilize American astronomers around a specific research effort.  A charter committee of the newly formed American Astronomical and Astro-physical Society (later to be called the AAS), chaired by Simon Newcomb, but run by George Ellery Hale, attempted to coordinate and standardize observing efforts for the eclipse.  The eclipse track crossed the southeastern U.S. from New Orleans to Norfolk, and observers were stationed all along the shadow path.  Astronomers were thickest on the ground, however, in Wadesboro, NC, with major expeditions fielded there from Princeton, Yerkes, the Smithsonian Institution, and the British Astronomical Association.  The Wadesboro expeditions represented a changing of the guard in American astrophysics.  Pioneers of the first generation of astrophysics in America, S. P. Langley and C. A. Young, brought large groups, and individuals who would influence American astronomy in the coming decades, such as Hale and Henry Norris Russell, were also there.  The presentation will give a who’s-who of astronomers at Wadesboro, explain why that NC town was the station of choice, and outline the eclipse research efforts undertaken there.

P14. Dan Caton, Adam Smith, Appalachian State University

The Light Curve and Parameters of Eclipsing Binary System FL Orionis

Abstract: We have obtained BVRI light curves for the neglected eclipsing binary FL Orionis, as well as times of minimum light to provide a revised period (the first accurate period) and ephemeris. Further, we present a solution of the light curve, solved with the BinaryMaker3 eclipsing binary synthesis program. This work is also to be submitted for publication in the near future.

P15. Mel Blake, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

Monitoring the North Celestial Pole with a Robotic Camera          

Abstract: We have constructed a dedicated robotic instrument to monitor the region within 4 degrees of the north celestial pole continuously every clear night. The camera consists of a 0.23m telephoto lens with a STV CCD camera attached, providing a field of view of 4 X 5 degrees. Since October 2004 we have collected more than 12000 images of the region surrounding Polaris using this instrument. The camera obtains a sequence of short and long exposures for conducting searches for transient and variable objects and for monitoring the Cepheid variable Polaris. Polaris has exhibited unique behavior for a Cepheid variable, with previous authors (Kamper et al. 1984; Evans et al. 1998) observing Polaris to nearly cease its pulsation. Monitoring Polaris with high secular coverage should help explain this behavior. We describe here the design of the observatory, its operation and control systems and give preliminary examples of the data products from this project. We discuss future improvements to the instrument that will provide unique data on Polaris and objects near it on the sky. We acknowledge support from the Fund for Astrophysical Research through funds donated by the Institute for Space Observations.