Summer 2005                              
Math for Integrated Science
 The history behind mathematics is actually interesting. The instructors told us about some things that people have done that have brought us to this point in our mathematic know how. Not only that, but that mathematics has its hand in almost everything. Our first professor, Ed Crotty, was fantastic about doing this. Avi Barr fit right in when he became our instructor midstream. He picked up and led us on the reset of our journey through math concepts. If we only had more time . . . .

What did I learn?
 In math class we learned:
trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent)
linear equations (y=mx+b)
 exponential equations (y=ab^x)
functions - f(x)
quadratic equations (y=f(x)=ax^2+bx+c)
quadratic formula (-b +/- sqrt(b^2-4ac))/(2a)
factoring
and some Calculus ( limit, e, compounding interest)

Was it a good class?
Math is my love, but this class was a challenge. Much better than physics though! I learned so much about math that I did not know. I really had many "ah-ha" and "ooh" moments. I will definitely be better prepared to teach my students this year and forever more. I say this because I know how to connect things that I did not know before. After all is said and done I find myself wanting too learn more. Surprising, huh?

What can I take back to the classroom?
I definitely know that I can take back the trigonometry that I learned with my students. This is due to the math we learned and the application of the math in the physics class. It was hard to distinguish between one class or the other in this area.
                                                                     
                                                                                           

Physics: The Foundation of Science
WOW! What a surprise physics was to me, and I think I speak for everyone in my cohort when I say that. Larry Gladney really set the bar high for the pace of our classes here at Penn. I have taken Physics classes before, on a graduate level, but nothing like this. I have been challenged since the day I picked up the 1000 pound textbook, or should I say 1000 kilogram textbook. Larry was so impressive with his knowledge of physics and his style of combining technology into his teaching, management, and assessment of the class. He and Bill Berner did just as much "work" as we did. They were very reflective and addressed our needs better than any teacher I have ever experienced before. They were a great team-teaching pair! Check out what we did in physics. Link to my lesson  to get a glimpse: Physics Power Point

What did I learn?
In physics class we learned:
trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent)
manipulating equations
vectors versus scalars
the difference between velocity and acceleration
graphing distance, velocity, and acceleration versus time
application and experimentation through labs
vector components - horizontal and vertical
force diagrams
coefficients of friction
gravitational force
energy and conservation of energy
work
kinematics

Was it a good class?
Physics was good. I learned much more than I knew existed about physics, and the bad part about that is that we only began to scratch the surface.  I cannot imagine doing more. Much of my success is due greatly to our instructors' and Teaching Assistant, Ian's, determination in making sure we succeeded. The content was difficult, but they knew just how to explain, illustrate, break it down so that we all understood. I am very greatful for their superb teaching ability.

What can I take back to the classroom?
Concep Questions. These were the types of questions Larry loved to ask us to determine if we really understood what we thought we knew. We usually got them wrong, but they made us fight with the ideas, explain our thinking and come to a final thought. It felt good when we got them right. I am going to use them in my classroom. I think they give so much valuable insight into what the students are thinking and why. My power point lesson includes Concep Questions and some other physics ideas that I will be implementing with my class.              
                                                                                   
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