VicPhysics News: Term 4, No 1, 2015
Table of Contents
1. Network Meeting: Managing Multiple Options, 6pm Tuesday, 13th October , University High School
2. Vicphysics Website Re-design: Preparing for 2016
3. Physics Video and Photo Contests. Entries are due.
4. US Websites on physics teaching strategies and curriculum materials - Very impressive.
5. Highlights from the UK Physics Education Journal - Free downloads
6. Do you have metal working skills? Opportunity to be involved in VCAA's VET Engineering Exam
Development Panel
7. Forthcoming events for Students and the General Public *
a) New Windows into the Universe: From Cosmic Dawn to Today, 6:30pm, 9th October,
Swinburne University
b) Tune into the skies: how to do cosmology in the radio, 6:30pm, 23rd October, Swinburne
University
c) Frame Your Physics: Produce a 3 minute video, entries due 31st October
8. Forthcoming events for Teachers *
a) Focus on Physics In-Service Day, 13th November, University of Melbourne
b) Mini PDs on Thermodynamics and What is matter? at VYPT, 1st, 2nd December, University
High School
c) 2016 Physics Teachers ' Conference: Keynote speakers, Karaoke and Workshops
Offers to present a workshop or contribute to the Karaoke are still being accepted
9. Physics News from the Web
a) Levitating diamonds could improve motion sensors
b) Earthquakes could be triggered by sound waves that 'fluidize' faults
c) New laser could spot signs of cancer in exhaled breath
* Events listed for the first time are in bold with details below. The details of the other events can be found
on our website at www.vicphysics.org/forthcomingevents.html or in previous newsletters at
www.vicphysics.org/news.html
This newsletter is compiled by the Vicphysics Teachers' Network Inc.
The next meeting of the Vicphysics Teachers' Network will be at 5pm on Tuesday, 13th October at University
High School. All teachers are welcome to attend this or any other meeting. If you would like to attend,
please contact Vicphysics at vicphys@vicphysics.org
1.
Network Meeting: Sharing ideas on 'Managing Multiple Options in Unit 2', 6pm, Tuesday, 13th
October, University High School
The Vicphysics Teachers' Network would like to live up to its name by putting aside the second hour of its
monthly meeting for teachers to share ideas about teaching different aspects of next year's Year 11 course.
The next meeting on 13th October will consider 'Managing Multiple Options'. The format will be informal
with a focus on small group discussion with groups addressing different aspects of course planning and lesson
preparation.
Up until a couple a years ago, students did four Detailed Studies over the two years. The introduction of
Detailed Studies coincided with an increase in the proportion of Year 11 physics staying on to do Year 12
physics, both boys and girls, which has continue to grow. Currently the retention rate is about 80%. The
Vicphysics Committee thinks there is a causal connection. The Detailed Studies enriched and broadened the
students' experience of physics.
Next year, physics students will do only one option over the two years. A way to maintain the enriching
experience is to offer a few options in the classroom at the one time, so that students get a sense, either
informally or formally of the breadth of physics and what opportunities it offers.
More particularly, most teachers who have been teaching for a few years will have already taught four of the
12 options in next year's Unit 2.
The discussions will start at 6pm and finish at 7pm.
If you wish to attend, please register by emailing Vicphysics at vicphys@vicphysics.org with subject
'Registration: Networking', so that the event can be effectively planned, but also because the space will put a
limit on the numbers.
2. Vicphysics Website Redesign: Preparing for 2016
The home page for the Vicphysics website has been changed to reflect the structure of the Study Design in
2016. There are now more categories down the side.
The 'Teachers' category now has sub-categories for: 'Unit 1 in 2016, 'Unit 2 in 2016', 'Units 3 & 4 in 2016',
which then show links to webpages for each Area of Study and for each Option. Other sub-categories in this
section are 'General Resources' for a further seven webpages, and 'Revision and Exam Solutions', 'Course
planning' and 'Equipment'.
Please check it out and suggest further improvements.
3. Physics and Video Photo Contests: Entries are due.
Several entries have already been received. The official closing date for both events is today, the first day of
Term 4.
4. US Websites on teaching strategies and curriculum materials
a) The Diagnoser, http://www.diagnoser.com/ , "is a set of diagnostic instructional tools for middle and high
school teachers and students. Resources in this project have been developed and tested by teachers and are
based on research into the teaching and learning of maths and science. They have designed sets of questions
as formative assessments (e.g., assessments to inform learning and instruction rather than assign scores.)
Students receive feedback on their thinking as they work through their assignment. Teachers can access
reports on students' thinking related to the assigned content."
To access the material you need to register and set up a username and password. You can set up your classes
and give each student a unique username and password and assign specific topics. There is no cost.
The areas covered include Mechanics, Waves and Thermal physics with several topics in each, but mainly at
Year 10 and Year 11 level. For each topic there is a section on:
 Learning goals: expectation of what the students should understand,
 Facet cluster: a detailed breakdown of the common misconceptions,
 Eliciting questions: designed to open up many of the existing ideas among the students in the class, with
typical incorrect responses and advise on how to manage them,
 Development lessons: Lessons that will challenge problems exposed by the questions and also build on
strengths in students' thinking,
 Diagnoser question sets: The questions are designed to elicit different misconceptions in student thinking.
The program provides feedback to students to assist them in monitoring their own learning. After

students have completed a set of questions, teachers are able to view the misconceptions diagnosed for
each question for each student.
Prescriptive activities: These activities may be assigned to individual students or to the whole class.
They are designed to target specific problematic ideas diagnosed in the previous section.
b) The Physics Aviary, http://www.thephysicsaviary.com/index.html, is a US website by teacher Frank
McCulley. It is designed to assist students and has a range of activities including:
 Lab simulations which were written as a complement to real practical activities. They cover the full
range of physics topics,
 'Tools' is mainly advice on graphing,
 'Homework problems',
 'Games' has several basic skill based games and
 'Review questions'.
The programs are written in HTML 5 to work on computers, tablets, phones and other handheld devices.
c)
Exploring Physics, http://www.exploringphysics.com/ , is a commercial online product for tablets. "The
Exploring Physics App is an interactive inquiry- and modeling-based conceptual physics curriculum. It
combines hands-on activities with a discussion-based pedagogy where students construct mental models
of scientific concepts. The app is constructed so that students input their ideas into the app in text,
drawings, and graphs – so the app works as a workbook, lab book and textbook all in one".
There will eventually be 9 units that will be released over the next 18 months, with some already
available. An individual unit can be purchased for US$12 per student.
d) APlus Physics http://aplusphysics.com/community/index.php?/videos/ is a compilation of Youtube videos
and other resources. It currently has 858 videos grouped under 18 different topics.
Items supplied by Barbara McKinnon and Oliver Lovell.
5. Highlights from the UK Physics Education Journal - Free download
The UK physics journal 'Physics Education' published by the Institute of Physics (IOP) provides free
downloads of the highlights from the previous year's editions. 'The featured papers have been selected to
reflect the very best of the unique mix of content in the journal, and all represent outstanding quality and a
valuable contribution to the physics teaching community.'
They can be downloaded from http://iopscience.iop.org/0031-9120/page/Highlights-of-2014-collection , but
will be only available until 31st December, 2015.
The list includes:
 How might educational research into children's ideas about light be of use to teachers?
 The physics of bump drafting in car racing
 History of physical terms: 'energy'
 Wobbly strings: calculating the capture rate of a webcam using the rolling shutter effect in a guitar
 The equivalence principle comes to school—falling objects and other middle school investigations
 Astronomy textbook images: do they really help students?
 The Bounce Meter
 An investigation into the nature of high altitude cosmic radiation in the stratosphere
 Three-dimensional nuclear chart—understanding nuclear physics and nucleosynthesis in stars
 Can we understand the tippee top?

The greatest shadow on Earth
6.
Do you have metal working skills? Opportunity to be involved in the VET Engineering Exam
Development Panel
The Examinations Unit of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority is seeking applicants for the
2016 VCE VET Engineering Studies Exam Development panel. If you have a suitable background and
experience, you might be interested in applying for the panel. In particular, they need applicants for the Study
Specialist Vetter, Exam Panel Member (writer) and Exam Sitter Vetter roles.
The subject, VET Engineering Studies, seems to be about metalwork, fabrication and machining. For more
information on this VET Program and its VCE exam, go to:
http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/vet/programs/engineering/exams.aspx
If you are interested, please contact Lorette Dobb, Examination Development Manager, VCAA at :
dobb.lorette.d@edumail.vic.gov.au
7. Forthcoming events for Students and General Public *
a) New Windows into the Universe: From Cosmic Dawn to Today, 6:30pm, 9th October, Swinburne
University
Speaker: Assoc Prof Kim-Vy Tran, Texas A&M University.
Abstract: Since Galileo's time, our ability to study the universe has been driven by our ability to collect light
from distant objects. Due to tremendous technological advances in the last few decades, we can now study
the most distant galaxies known in the universe. In addition to seeing fainter objects at higher resolution, we
can also view the universe at many different wavelengths ranging from gamma rays to radio waves. I
highlight the major advances that have been made with, e.g. the Keck telescopes and Hubble Space
Telescope, and discuss why we need to continue pushing our limits by developing and building new
observatories like the Giant Magellan Telescope.
Venue: Swinburne University, Hawthorn Campus, ATC building, ATC101 Map:
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/media/swinburneeduau/about-swinburne/docs/pdfs/hawthorn-map.pdf
Click on this link to register and to see details.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1sXp_W8GSlg58dZrXzBNdSpB4201oJZAlDdTpZSdBp0I/viewform
b) Tune into the skies: how to do cosmology in the radio, 6:30pm, 23rd October, Swinburne
University
Speaker: Dr Laura Wolz, University of Melbourne.
Abstract: Radio telescopes have made numerous appearances in media and films due to their huge,
mechanical appearances contrasting with the natural background. The gigantic size of the dishes are essential
for observing cosmic objects in high resolution following the basic rule: the longer the wavelength, the bigger
the dish. The construction efforts are worthwhile because radio waves can pass our atmosphere nearly
unobscured and thus allow us to view the Universe whether it is sunny or cloudy. But what are we looking
at? Every galaxy emits a wide range of radio waves, including our own Milky Way, allowing us to measure
the positions of the galaxies in space. Radio waves also carry information about the interior of galaxies,
namely their hydrogen content. Radio telescopes can be used as cartographers to map the cosmic landscape
by their hydrogen emission. This allows us to see areas unobtainable through visible light and take a glimpse
how the Universe looked when it was less than half of its age. We can use both, galaxy catalogues and
cosmic maps, to explore how the Universe evolved to the present state. We can learn how space floated apart
after the Big Bang, how gravity pulls structures together and how dark energy is mysteriously speeding up the
expansion of the cosmos.
Venue: Swinburne University, Hawthorn Campus, BA Building, Room BA302 Map:
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/media/swinburneeduau/about-swinburne/docs/pdfs/hawthorn-map.pdf
Click on following link to register, and see details below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1khyMpUjF3geGBcjdEqfyDxLmKPfaYp8wCLPvoV79Wng/viewform
c) Frame Your Physics: Produce a 3 minute video, entries due 31st October
Students can make a video of up to 3 minutes presenting any topic in physics in an entertaining and
informative way and you could win prizes for them and their school. This national competition organised by
the Australian Institute of Physics is open to students, or team of students, enrolled in any school in Australia.
Entries are now open and must be submitted before October 31
Students can enter as individuals of teams of up to 10 members.
Prizes: 1st $500, 2nd $250, 3rd $100, School with the most entries: $1000
Check http://www.aip.org.au/act/Frame_Your_Physics/ for more details and previous winners.
8. Forthcoming events for Teachers *
a) Focus on Physics In-Service Day, 13th November, University of Melbourne
The Program for the Focus on Physics Day is:
 Undertaking science that matters with the Australian Synchrotron: How the smallest things can have the
biggest impact on our lives with Prof Andrew Peele, Australian Synchrotron
 The Bridge between Physics and Engineering: Putting the theory of mechanics into practice with Dr Elisa
Lumantarna from the School of Engineering at Melbourne University
 Modern astrophysics and the night sky: The Shared Sky: modern astrophysics and the night sky viewed
through the lens of ancient Greece and aboriginal astronomy with Dr Alan Duffy is a Research Fellow at
the Centre for Astrophysics and Computing at Swinburne University
 The world of Particle Physics: Collisions can reveal the nature of matter with Professor Raymond Volkas
is Head of the School of Physics at Melbourne University, and Director of the Melbourne Node of the
ARC Centre of Excellence in Particle Physics at the Terascale (CoEPP).
The cost is $110 and includes lunch.
For more details and to register go to http://outreach.physics.unimelb.edu.au/Teaching/ProfessionalDevelopment
b) Mini PD on Thermodynamics and What is matter? at VYPT, 1st, 2nd December, University High
School
The number of teams participating in VYPT have been increasing each year. The greater numbers puts
pressure on providing enough judges. As an incentive to encourage teachers to come along to check out the
event and to assist with the judging, as part of the day there will be two presentations for such teachers on
course planning for the two new Areas of Study in Unit 1: 'Thermodynamics' and 'What is Matter? The
presentations will cover: new concepts, practical activities, resources and assessment ideas.
Judging is done by a team of three, with at least one experienced judge. The preparation for judging
involves about 45 minutes pre-reading and the task involves assessing students. The same mini PD will be
offered on each day.
Dates: Tuesday, 1st and Wednesday, 2nd December
Venue: Elizabeth Blackburn School of Sciences at University High School
To register for the mini-PD and judging VYPT, please email Vicphysics events@vicphysics.org with
subject: Registration: Mini PD giving name, school and on which date you wish to attend.
c)
2016 Physics Teachers ' Conference: Keynote speakers, Karaoke and Workshops.
Offers to present a workshop or contribute to the Karaoke are still being accepted
Keynote speakers will address two aspects of the What is Matter? Area of Study.
 Cosmology: From the Big Bang to Formation of Atoms. Dr Phillip Urquijo, University of Melbourne
and CoEPP
 Particle Physics: From Alpha particles to Quarks. Prof Emma Ryan-Weber, Swinburne University
Karaoke Session
The Karaoke session will immediately follow the after lunch keynote. Four 15 minute presentations in each
of three adjacent venues.
If you:
 have developed a new demo or prepared a clever worksheet,
 have tried a different teaching approach,
 found some fantastic websites,
 run an amazing open day program,
 attract increasing number of Year 10's into Physics.
 liaise with the local primary school,
and want to share them with your colleagues for just 15 minutes, pleas email Vicphysics at
events@vicphysics.org . A partial discount on the conference fee is available.
Workshops
If you would like a full discount on the conference fee, then you could offer a full workshop.
A distinctive feature of our conferences has been the large number of teachers who offer workshops about
what they do. These workshops are not only beneficial for other teachers, but they also significantly
enhance the curriculum vitae of the presenters and their own personal skills.
Also as with the 2015 conference, this program will include a strand of workshops on teaching the Physics
aspects of Yrs 7 - 10 Science. These will be for teachers of Year 7 - 10 Science without a physics
background.
If you would like to offer a workshop, either for your fellow physics teachers or on Year 7 - 10 Science,
please register the workshop on the STAV website http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/, select
Conferences/PD and go down to 'Presenters' and complete the online submission.
The Conference will be on Friday 19th February at Monash University.
9.
Physics News from the Web
Items selected from the bulletins of the Institute of Physics (UK) and the American Institute of Physics.
Each item below includes the introductory paragraphs and a web link to the rest of the article.
a) Levitating diamonds could improve motion sensors
b) Earthquakes could be triggered by sound waves that 'fluidize' faults
c) New laser could spot signs of cancer in exhaled breath
a) Levitating diamonds could improve motion sensors
http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/2015/sep/08/levitating-diamonds-could-improve-motion-sensors
By levitating a tiny, nano-sized diamond using light, physicists in the US and Finland have created a
controllable quantum system that has optical, mechanical and spin degrees of freedom. Based on a single
"nitrogen vacancy" (NV) defect in the diamond, the system could be used in devices that measure extremely
weak forces – or even to create "Schrödinger's cat states".
NV defects occur in diamond when two adjacent carbon atoms are replaced by a nitrogen atom and an empty
lattice site. One type of NV (NV–) is of great interest to physicists building quantum devices because its spin
state (–1, 0 or +1) can be determined very easily using light. Furthermore, NVs are well isolated from their
surroundings, which means that their spin states – unlike those of most other solid-state systems – keep their
quantum nature for relatively long times.
b) Earthquakes could be triggered by sound waves that 'fluidize' faults
http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/2015/sep/22/earthquakes-could-be-triggered-by-sound-waves-thatfluidize-faults
Earthquakes may be triggered by sound waves that reduce the friction between rocks at a geological fault.
That is the conclusion of an international team of researchers that has done laboratory-based experiments that
mimic the process. The results support the "acoustic fluidization" theory of earthquake triggering, which seeks
to explain the unexpected weakness of some faults. The research could also help to reveal how aftershocks are
generated at great distances from the earthquakes that precede them.
c) New laser could spot signs of cancer in exhaled breath
http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/2015/sep/30/new-laser-could-spot-signs-of-cancer-in-exhaledbreath
A new type of compact infrared laser promises to make it easier to identify specific molecules at very low
concentrations within complex chemical samples. That is the claim of physicists in Germany and Spain, who
have created the high-power, ultrashort-pulsed, broadband laser. They add that the device shows particular
promise for spotting molecules within exhaled breath that are indicative of certain kinds of disease.
Molecular spectroscopy, or "molecular fingerprinting", involves shining a laser beam spanning a certain
portion of the electromagnetic spectrum through a liquid or gas and then comparing the beam before and after
it travels through the sample – the specific wavelengths absorbed revealing the composition and structure of
molecules within the sample. Most molecular vibrations can be stimulated by mid-infrared radiation (2–
25 μm), and therefore laser light covering this part of the spectrum is very useful for molecular fingerprinting.