Introductions

[Melissa Chessler]

Welcome to the NJ-PTAG Google Group!  

I've let a few days go by to give everyone a chance to read my invitation and sign up, and as of this afternoon, there are 10 teachers in the group.  Thanks for joining!  I will send out a reminder to those I haven't heard from.  Please feel free to invite others too.

I think a good next step would be introductions...

If you haven't already, you may wish to start by setting your display name for the group.  Here are some instructions that I found online:  

Go to  https://groups.google.com/forum/#!myforums  then scroll down to the group you want to change your display name on. Click the edit beside your current display name, then change it. Then click save.  

For the introductions, you may choose to share what you wish including some or all of the following:

Your name

Your school

Grades you teach

Courses you teach

Number of years teaching

Any other bit of background/personal info you'd like to share

I'll follow up with a message inviting you to share your online teaching experiences over these first few weeks, including both successes and challenges for which you'd appreciate some input.

I wish you a relaxing weekend!

Melissa

[Darrell M. Williams (FMS: Fisher Middle School)]

Your name: Darrell Williams
Your school: Fisher Middle School
Grades you teach: 8th
Courses you teach: Physical Science [Chemistry, Physics, Engineering Design]
Number of years teaching: 19
Any other bit of background/personal info you'd like to share:

Had the incredible opportunity to participate in a week-long professional development sponsored by PPPL and NASA. During this experience, our team of teachers planned and developed 3 prototypes to be flown and tested in Zero-G. The experience had a great affect (and continuous affect) on our teaching pedagogy.

A few years later, after enrolling and completing NASA Endeavour STEM certification program, my science lab has been transformed (in a good way).

Family: married for 18 years; 5 yo kindergartener (soon to be six); 4 yo diva!! Both are science enthusiasts- go figure.

I am recently back to work after being on sick leave from having neck surgery. Returned in time to join my students in this journey of Virtual School (our primary tool is Google Classroom).

[Matthew Reischer]

Matthew Reischer

Pennsauken High School

2nd year teaching, 57 years old, Alt-Route

Currently trying to finish my EdTPA

Teaching grades 10-12, Physics Honors and AP Physics 1 (mostly college bound students)

Environmental Science, CP (many IEP and ELL students and students in danger of failing)

Robotics Team Coach - Just started a team this year. (FTC)

Married, 2 girls in 10th, 11th grade (not at my school)

[Craig Halpern]

Your name: Craig Halpern

Your school:Ewing High School

Grades you teach: 10-12

Courses you teach: Biology, Conceptual Physics, Traditional Physics and an Honors Physics class that is basically college level trig based physics

Number of years teaching: 25

Any other bit of background/personal info you'd like to share: I have been teaching Physics at the University of Pennsylvania in their summer academy for the past 18 years. I have been married for 23 years I have two daughters one in college at Brandies and one in middle school.

[Klee, Martin]

Greetings.

This is my first year teaching at Metuchen HS.  I teach the standard (non-AP) physics classes to 11th and 12th graders.  About 20% of my students have IEP plans or 504 plans.  Before this, I was an adjunct at NJIT teaching Mechanical Engineering Technology classes in Newark.  The transition from college to high school has been challenging, as I didn't have to worry about discipline before.  For the last 2 weeks, I've been teaching remotely using Google Classroom and Zoom.  I'm also taking Alternate Route classes on-line from Rutgers.  They use Canvas.  The transition to on-line learning/teaching is isolating and also difficult.  Besides teaching, I worked for many years in industry as an engineer, programmer and then as consultant and have a small consulting company.

I have a 7th grader.  We are going through the same transition from going to school to learning/teaching from home together.

Martin Klee

BS Applied Sciences, Physics, Rutgers U, 1983

MSME Drexel U, 1988

BS Comp Sci, Rutgers U, 2000

---

From: Matthew Reischer <matthew....@pennsauken.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2020 9:06 AM
To: New Jersey Physics Teacher Advisory Group (NJ-PTAG) <nj-pta...@tcnj.edu>
Subject: [From GSuite] [nj-ptag-group] Re: Introductions

 

WARNING: This email originated from outside of the Metuchen School District’s email network. DO NOT CLICK on links or attachments unless you know the content to be safe. - Metuchen IT Office

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[Matthew Reischer]

Hi Martin,

You are are on similar trajectories.

I also have a MSME (1985), had an energy consulting business for 10 years, and I am in my 2nd year teaching through the Alt-Route.

I teach in Pennsauken and live in Voorhees, in Camden County.

I teach Honors and AP Physics, but I have the ELL and IEP kids and discipline issues in my Environmental Science classes.

I also started a Robotic team in my second year. (I wanted to wait another year but I got back to school and they told me it was happening with 5 days notice.)

Feel free to reach out.

On Sunday, March 29, 2020 at 11:00:38 PM UTC-4, Klee, Martin wrote:

Greetings.

This is my first year teaching at Metuchen HS.  I teach the standard (non-AP) physics classes to 11th and 12th graders.  About 20% of my students have IEP plans or 504 plans.  Before this, I was an adjunct at NJIT teaching Mechanical Engineering Technology classes in Newark.  The transition from college to high school has been challenging, as I didn't have to worry about discipline before.  For the last 2 weeks, I've been teaching remotely using Google Classroom and Zoom.  I'm also taking Alternate Route classes on-line from Rutgers.  They use Canvas.  The transition to on-line learning/teaching is isolating and also difficult.  Besides teaching, I worked for many years in industry as an engineer, programmer and then as consultant and have a small consulting company.

I have a 7th grader.  We are going through the same transition from going to school to learning/teaching from home together.

Martin Klee

BS Applied Sciences, Physics, Rutgers U, 1983

MSME Drexel U, 1988

BS Comp Sci, Rutgers U, 2000

---

From: Matthew Reischer <matthew...@pennsauken.net>

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[Erin O'Connell]

Name: Erin O'Connell

School:  Point Pleasant Beach High School

Subjects:  Physics, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics

I have been recording videos and meeting with students via google meet.  They cannot download Zoom to their computers sadly.  I have been using as many digital labs as I can.  I attached one for Simple Harmonic Motion below. I am working on coming up with ways for students to be more engaged and 'hands on'.  So far I implemented "Game Day" Wednesdays where we play some type of competition based review game as our district has transitions to half days on Wednesdays. 

 [Template] Online: Period of Simple Pendulum Lab

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--

Erin O'Connell

Physics/AP Physics/Environmental Science

Point Pleasant Beach High School

732-899-8840

ocon...@ptbeach.com

@oconnell_ms

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[Klee, Martin]

Erin, You should ask your IT people to make an exception for Zoom.  Everybody is using it.  Even Rutgers, who has another software program, started using Zoom for my night classes.  And all my other groups are using it too.  I'm using the free version; so far, they won't pay for the better free version. 🙂 Thanks.  Martin

---

From: Erin O'Connell <ocon...@ptbeach.com>
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2020 9:24 AM
To: nj-pta...@tcnj.edu <nj-pta...@tcnj.edu>
Subject: [From GSuite] Re: [From GSuite] [nj-ptag-group] Re: Introductions

 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/a/tcnj.edu/d/msgid/nj-ptag-group/CAOd0EKLx0uTHeBCaZf5XDedJQbt4xXcV52w9cKAT3rwSmdtZ1w%40mail.gmail.com.

[Reischer, Matthew]

Hi Erin,

I like your lab!

You could easily make it hands-on by having them get some string and weights.

They could share videos of their pendulums on flipgrid or Google Classroom.

If it's an AP class, they could use the free compadre Tracker software to analyze the motion.

Phyphox (also free for android and iPhone) also has a pendulum app for cellphones (hang your phone from a string and use the sensors)

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--

Mr. Matthew Reischer

matthew....@pennsauken.net

856-662-8500

Pennsauken High School

Teacher of Physics 

Teacher of Environmental Science

Robotics Team Coach

[Reischer, Matthew]

The better version of Zoom is free during covid-19.

I had a class with breakout rooms last week (get into groups and discuss...)

Then I can visit each group live.

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[Erin O'Connell]

Thank you! I really appreciate you recommending a few resources, I will be sure to check those out.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/a/tcnj.edu/d/msgid/nj-ptag-group/CAAPws5Lyi2YDhPw_iULZgOc5UM685gCopcK7dWQ3XSSoZmWdeQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[Jodi Foster]

Hi all-

So happy to find you here!

I am Jodi Foster

I teach at Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School

I am currently teaching:

• Freshman physics - a brand new class based on NJCTL Algebra based physics - trying to group-based online activities, but it is hard for some of these kids to organize let alone learn.
• Sophomore Chemistry - a brand new group of kids to me just picked up 2 days before the shelter in place due to personnel issues.
• Juniors Applied Physics - all activity based - ugh!!  - working hard to find online tools, but if it is Flash or Java, half the kids can't open it so it is a bit hit and miss r.n.
• Jr/Sr AP Physics 1 - really struggling with the AP Classroom website and could use tons of insight if anyone has it!

I have been teaching for around 10 years - second career, alternate route

I am online teaching, my high-school junior is online learning, and my 2 college kida are now home with all of their stuff and we are figuring this out together!

On Friday, March 27, 2020 at 5:52:36 PM UTC-4, Melissa Chessler wrote:

[Jodi Foster]

Awesome Erin!

I am stealing this, Thank you!!

We will not hit this with my Freshmen, but I am pretty sure we are not going back to school.

-Jodi

On Monday, March 30, 2020 at 9:25:10 AM UTC-4, Erin O'Connell wrote:

Name: Erin O'Connell

School:  Point Pleasant Beach High School

Subjects:  Physics, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics

I have been recording videos and meeting with students via google meet.  They cannot download Zoom to their computers sadly.  I have been using as many digital labs as I can.  I attached one for Simple Harmonic Motion below. I am working on coming up with ways for students to be more engaged and 'hands on'.  So far I implemented "Game Day" Wednesdays where we play some type of competition based review game as our district has transitions to half days on Wednesdays. 

 [Template] Online: Period of Simple Pendulum Lab

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/a/tcnj.edu/d/msgid/nj-ptag-group/4c476ec5-e116-44f5-9067-40dd6e978509%40tcnj.edu.

[Erin O'Connell]

Great! I’m glad I can help :)

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[Jodi Foster]

Hey Erin, 

I just realized you are at Pt Beach. I live in Pt Beach and my 2 older kids went there (the junior is up at RFH with me for a change)

So you are the new Whitman!!

Hope it is going well!

Jodi

On Monday, March 30, 2020 at 9:25:10 AM UTC-4, Erin O'Connell wrote:

Name: Erin O'Connell

School:  Point Pleasant Beach High School

Subjects:  Physics, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics

I have been recording videos and meeting with students via google meet.  They cannot download Zoom to their computers sadly.  I have been using as many digital labs as I can.  I attached one for Simple Harmonic Motion below. I am working on coming up with ways for students to be more engaged and 'hands on'.  So far I implemented "Game Day" Wednesdays where we play some type of competition based review game as our district has transitions to half days on Wednesdays. 

 [Template] Online: Period of Simple Pendulum Lab

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/a/tcnj.edu/d/msgid/nj-ptag-group/4c476ec5-e116-44f5-9067-40dd6e978509%40tcnj.edu.

[Megan Correia]

Hi Everyone!

My name is Megan Correia.  I currently am in my 3rd year at Lenape HS (South Jersey) - I spent my first 8 years teaching at Robbinsville HS in Mercer County.

Currently I teach 11th & 12th graders in Accelerated Physics and Accelerated Astronomy (At Robbinsville, I taught 9th Grade Physics First to all levels - Conceptual, College Prep, and Honors) so this is my 11th year teaching.  It's a little weird -- this time last year, I went out on maternity leave for my first child (Owen is almost a year - time flies).  And now trying to navigate home instruction with an almost-toddler... it's definitely a 'new normal' Happy to have found everyone here!

On Friday, March 27, 2020 at 5:52:36 PM UTC-4, Melissa Chessler wrote:

[Craig Buszka]

Thanks, Melissa, for starting this group.

Your name: Craig Buszka

Your school: Montgomery HS

Grades you teach: Mostly 9th and 12th graders

Courses you teach: Honors physics, AP Physics C

Number of years teaching: 17

Any other bit of background/personal info you'd like to share: I adjuncted for the last five years at TCNJ, and am the current chair of the board at STEMteachersNYC, a professional development organization that runs workshops for teachers.

[Samuel Lebreault]

Hello all,

Samuel Lebreault

Park Ridge High School 

9th, 11th, 12th

CP Physics, Honors Physics, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology 

9 years teaching

I coach robotics in FTC and I am expecting a baby in June.

[Reischer, Matthew]

I just started an FTC team this year in Pennsauken and I coached FLL for 4 years before that (indie team).

This is my 2nd year teaching (I am an alt-route former businessperson and energy consultant).

How long have you been coaching FTC?

Hello all,

Samuel Lebreault

On Friday, March 27, 2020 at 5:52:36 PM UTC-4, Melissa Chessler wrote:

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[Howie Frisch]

Howie Frisch

Hillside HS, Hillside, NJ

I teach physics, environmental science, and a dual enrolled business course (mostly grades 9 and 12 with some on the middle)

This is my 3rd year teaching, after many years in the telecommunications industry - both in engineering and engineering management

I finished the 2 year alternate route program at the Morris-Union Jointure Commission last year

We  are working with Google Classroom plus Google Meet, Email, and anything else students can use.  Live classes are a challenge.  Many students are working with just a phone or sharing devices with multiple family members.  Flexibility is critical.

On Friday, March 27, 2020 at 5:52:36 PM UTC-4, Melissa Chessler wrote:

[Reischer, Matthew]

Hi Howie,

I teach HS Physics and Env Sci too.(Pennsauken, NJ)

My students sound similar to yours - many sharing one device, etc.

We are over 70% free and reduced lunch.

And I am a 2nd year Alt Route with an engineering background.

My Env Sci kids are 1/3 IEP, 1/3 ELL, 1/4 low achieving. 

Are yours similar? What Env Sci textbook do you use? We are looking for an appropriate one.

What labs do you do? I have had a hard time coming up with good options.

I hope you are doing well/

Thanks!

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[CarriEve Horna]

Hi! Should've done this earlier!

I'm CarriEve Horna

Howell High School

11th and 12th grade

Lab Physics (CP), AP 1 and AP 2 Physics

3 years (rounding up!)

I play rugby

On Friday, March 27, 2020 at 5:52:36 PM UTC-4, Melissa Chessler wrote:

[Sami Khayyat]

Sami Khayyat

     Going into my sophomore year at TCNJ

     Majoring in physics and secondary education

     I currently want to start by teaching physics in the high school environment but I'm not sure if I would want to stay there. Other routes I am looking into are school administration or possibly becoming a professor. 

     I like going outside and experiencing nature. 

On Friday, March 27, 2020 at 5:52:36 PM UTC-4, Melissa Chessler wrote:

[Tyler Balas]

Tyler Balas

1st year

Physics

Uncertain of future aspirations

On Friday, March 27, 2020 at 5:52:36 PM UTC-4, Melissa Chessler wrote:

[Alexis Maul]

Alexis Maul

Rising sophomore

Physics Secondary Education

I plan on being a high school teacher and possibly a coach

I play club field hockey at TCNJ

[Nathan Moncayo]

Name: Nathan Moncayo

Year: Rising Sophomore

Major: Physics

Career Aspirations: I am hoping to find interest in teaching physics as well as being able to become an astronaut in the future to achieve my dream of seeing the world itself. 

Fun Fact: I enjoy looking up random facts as well as enjoying marine Biology, especially about sharks!

[Julissa Feliz]

Name: Julissa Feliz

Year: Sophmore

Major: Physics and Secondary Education

Career Aspiration: Physics Educator 

Other Background: DC native and I hope to start a gardening club with my future students 

[Nathan Magee]

Hi everyone, here's my information:

Nate Magee
Physics teacher and researcher in the TCNJ Physics Department
I teach both physics (Intro Mechanics, intro E&M, Mathematical Physics, Thermo, Research Methods) and atmospheric science classes (Intro Meteorology, Cloud and Climate Physics)
Dr. AJ Richards and I supervise the Physics Teacher Ed. program at TCNJ, and I am the director of the TCNJ Noyce Physics Education Project
I've been teaching physics for 15 years now!

Please don't hesitate to send me an email at ma...@tcnj.edu if you have any questions, thoughts, or suggestions for TCNJ Physics or the Noyce project

[Elizabeth Parisi]

Hi everyone! My name is Elizabeth Parisi. I am a physics and secondary education major at The College of New Jersey. I live in North Jersey. 

[Pierce Wickenden]

Name: Pierce Wickenden

Year in school: Rising Sophomore 

Major(s): Physics Major, Mathematics Minor

Career aspirations: Graduate school for physics

[Shannon Picklo]

Hi All!

My name is Shannon Picklo and I just graduated with my TCNJ Physics degree this past month! I am enrolled in a program where I will be getting my masters at TCNJ in urban education, and I will be graduating in 2021. I will be doing my student teaching (hopefully!!) this fall in a High School placement, but I have had practicum experiences in aq combined 6-7 grade placement as well as a 9th grade placement :)

[Reischer, Matthew]

Hi Nate,

I saw your interest in climate physics.

I teach HS physics, but I also teach environmental science.

Labs and activities are very tough to come by in Env Sci, especially since in some schools (like mine and Howie Frisch's, another NJ-PTAG member) the students are severely lacking in academic skills. 

Specifically, there is a large population of IEP and ELL students.

Thoughts for Science Fair projects for Honors and AP Physics students would also be great.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

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[Jacqueline McGuinness]

My Nmae is Jacqueline McGuinness. I teach Physics, Chemistry, and STEM science at the Burlington County Institute of Technology, Westampton.  I have been teaching for about 19 years, mainly in Chemistry and in Earth Science.  I teach mainly Juniors and Seniors. Occasionally, 9th graders. I was a Biochemistry major at Rutgers, then I went into the Army. When I got out of the military to start teaching, I was immediately set to teach AP Physics and physics. Yikes! What did I remember about Calculus! It wasn't until 3-4 years ago that I really got back into physics.