Physics Teachers' Day

This year we are hosting the third annual Geneseo Physics Teachers' Day.  This event brings together high school physics teachers and middle school science teachers from across the region to learn alongside Geneseo Physics and Astronomy faculty.  

('SUNY Geneseo is recognized by the New York State Education Department's Office of Teaching Initiatives as an approved sponsor of CTLE for Professional Classroom Teachers, School Leaders and Level III Teaching Assistants.)'

Please save the date for this year's Physics Teachers Day: Friday, March 13, 2026.  The deadline for registration is March 01.

Questions?  Contact Kurt Fletcher at fletcher@geneseo.edu

Teachers gathering around a science table for a demonstration

 

Registration

To register for this Physics Teachers' Day event, and pay the registration fee, please select "Physics Teachers" Day at this site.  

(Because of space limitations, we have to limit this event to 24 participants.)

Location - SUNY Geneseo Integrated Sciences Center, Room 219

Schedule 

Time

Workshop

Description

Learning Outcomes

 

Participants will…

PIC

9:00 - 10:00

Physics Teaching in Context - Getting to Know You

Group discussion about the students you teach in your school
  • learn about the context in which other participants teach physics and share their own contexts
  • Find others who teach similar populations

Fletcher

10:00 -

11:15

Sustainable Energy - Next Gen Nuclear Power

An introduction to the future of nuclear power plants for generating electricity

  • learn how current generation nuclear power plants operate
  • learn the drawbacks of current nuclear power plants
  • learn about new Generation 4 nuclear designs
  • learn about timeline of 
  • expected future deployment 
  • learn about nuclear fusion based power

Marcus

11:15 - 12:30

 

Photoelectric Effect Lab

Measure Planck’s Constant using data from the photoelectric effect using the Pasco apparatus

  • learn about the photoelectric effect and Einstein’s explanation
  • Use the photoelectric effect to measure Planck’s Constant, a fundamental constant in quantum physics

TBD

12:30 -1:00

Lunch Discussion -

(Lunch is included in the registration fee.)

 

  

 

1:00 - 2:15 

The Vera Rubin Telescope - Mapping the Changing Universe

The Vera Rubin Observatory began full science operations this year. This telescope has a unique design and technical capabilities and will be changing the field of temporal astronomy in amazing ways.

  • learn what makes the Vera Rubin Telescope unique
  • see how advances in technology are impacting astronomy

Steinhauer

2:15 - 3:15

Physics Demo Share-a-thon

Bring your favorite demo and share with the group!
  • learn new physics demonstrations from others
  • find ways to increase student engagement

Fletcher