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Postcards from QuarkNet One Mentor’s View

Join Randy Ruchti from the University of Notre Dame as he shares his experiences as a physics teacher and researcher in engaging students through the QuarkNet program. Discover the challenges he faced and the strategies he employed to build a thriving physics community.

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Postcards from QuarkNet One Mentor’s View

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  1. Postcards from QuarkNetOne Mentor’s View Randy Ruchti University of Notre Dame and NSF

  2. A Mentor’s “Notes to Self” • I am a teacher and a researcher. • I think I can convey effectively what I do… • I can work will all sorts of students… • I am a physicist. • I can do anything… R. Ruchti QuarkNet DPF2006 30 October 2006

  3. Ideas… • Recognize that a physicist is not necessarily: • An education professional • A public relations professional • Needed: new allies and colleagues: • A few like-minded individuals to start discussing and planning.] • Develop a pilot concept • Develop a critical mass • Expand the concept into an enduring program • To reach students, you need to engage teachers R. Ruchti QuarkNet DPF2006 30 October 2006

  4. Challenges • How do I find teachers, even one teacher? • How do I get the support to get started? • How do I work with someone who isn’t a traditional participant in the research process? • How do I set up a workshop? • How do I work with high school students? • Formulate some ideas • GET PROFESSIONAL HELP… R. Ruchti QuarkNet DPF2006 30 October 2006

  5. Thoughtful reflection… • It’s about the science • It’s about sharing the science • Its about building community • Its about adding value • Its developing a story – a science story • Through communicating and mentoring • Through immersive experiences for stakeholders • It’s the story that endures… R. Ruchti QuarkNet DPF2006 30 October 2006

  6. A QuarkNet Story • The University of Mississippi QuarkNet Center • Mentors: Jim Reidy, Lucien Cremaldi, Don Summers, and their staff • Lead Teachers: Ken Wester, Jim Reidy Jr. R. Ruchti QuarkNet DPF2006 30 October 2006

  7. QuarkNet  USCMS Fellows  Students An Example of how things can work: QuarkNet: Ken Wester is a lead teacher of the Mississippi QuarkNet Center. Summer 2002, he was a USCMS Fellow at CERN. March 2003, he took his physics class to tour CERN and to see CMS and the LHC. Another student group went more recently. (Picture courtesy of CERN Bulletin) Students from the Columbus High School in the state of Mississippi with their physics teacher Ken Wester (left at rear) and Michel Della Negra, CMS spokesman (in front).An American school at CERN ? Unusual, to say the least... Yet 15 students from the class of Ken Wester, physics teacher in the Columbus High School, Mississippi, didn't hesitate to travel thousands of kilometres to come to CERN. Ken Wester participated last year in CERN's High School Teacher programme. Enthralled by his visit, he has organised the trip for his final year students to visit CERN. The 18-year-olds arrived on the 10th March and spent two days at the laboratory, visiting the CMS construction site and the AD antimatter factory, before leaving on a tour of Switzerland and Germany. [credits: CERN Bulletin, CERN Photo] R. Ruchti QuarkNet DPF2006 30 October 2006

  8. Work supported in part by: NSF and DOE. R. Ruchti QuarkNet DPF2006 30 October 2006

  9. Postcard R. Ruchti QuarkNet DPF2006 30 October 2006

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