Elementary Science Teacher Education

University of Virginia Physical Science Series

Physics 620
Department of Physics University of Virginia Instructor: Professor Stephen T. Thornton

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Opportunities in Physics Education Here

Physics 620 - Topical Physical Science. This course is designed for the professional development of Virginia's school teachers. Prerequisite: undergraduate degree or permission of instructor.

General Course Description
Course Listing
UVa Regional Centers
Current Courses Offered
Email your questions
Link to Virginia SOL's
 
 

General Course Description

Physics 620 consists of a series of eight topical physical science courses for teachers of grades K-12 and the general public. The courses are based on Virginia's SOLs for grades K-8 and are designed to help teachers learn science content and pedagogy to better teach Virginia's school-age children. Each course carries one hour of graduate credit, and the courses may all be taken independently of each other.
 
The courses in this series do not not assume any prior college level science courses, and the mathematics content of these courses is kept to a minimum.
  
The courses primarily consist of hands-on, inquiry based science activities for teachers performed under the direction of a local hands-on instructor utilizing materials developed especially for the course. Lectures and demonstrations by Professor Thornton are presented via videotape. The courses are offered by the regional centers of the UVa School of Continuing and Professional Studies and may be used for degree credit or for teacher recertification. Credit is not normally granted towards a physics graduate degree. The courses are normally taught over a two day period (usually two Saturdays) of approximately 8 hours each day (but other arrangements, especially in the summer, are possible). A project to be used in the teacher's class is required to be developed between classes, and the teacher project presentations are usually the highlight of the course.
 
Although we understand that teachers may be initially reluctant to take a graduate physics course, we can reassure the teachers that these courses have been designed especially to meet your background and your SOL needs. More than 2000 Virginia teachers have already taken the courses. More than 130 of the courses have been held.
 
 
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Course Listings

Click on any of the courses listed below to see a detailed description of the course, including lesson plan, list of activities and teacher projects.

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UVa Regional Centers - School of Continuing and Professional Studies

Courses are offered in two ways: (1) On a scheduled basis at one of the Regional Centers or (2) On a contractural basis with one or more school systems. Normally a minimum of 10 teachers is required to present a course. Courses may be presented at the facilities of the Regional Center or at a local school as arranged. Please contact one of the local Regional Centers listed below if you are interested in taking a course or perhaps in arranging to have a course offered. Talk to your local school system instructional personnel to set up a local course.

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University Center (Charlottesville Regional Programs)

 
Phone Number: 434-982-5319
Fax: 434-982-5324
Address:
University Center
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
University of Virginia
PO Box 400764
Charlottesville, VA 22904
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Hampton Roads Center

 
Phone Number: 757-552-1890
Fax: 757-552-1898
Address:
University of Virginia
Hampton Roads Cente
418 Pembroke Four Building
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
  
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Northern Virginia Center

 
Phone Number: 703-536-1100
Fax: 703-536-1111
Address:
UVa Northern Virginia Center
7054 Haycock Road
Falls Church, VA 22043-2311
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Richmond Center

 
Phone Number: 804-662-7464
Fax: 804-662-9827
Address:
UVa Richmond Center
Suite 300
2810 North Parham Road
Richmond, VA 23294
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Roanoke Center

 
Phone Number: 540-767-6200
Fax: 540-767-6206
Address:
UVa Roanoke Center
Suite 507
108 N. Jefferson Street
Roanoke, VA 24016-1901
  
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Southwest Virginia Center

 
Phone Number: 276-469-4013
Fax: 276-476-4009
Address:
UVa Southwest Virginia Center
One Partnership Circle
PO Box 1987
 Abingdon, VA 24212
  
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Current Course Offerings

All PHYS 620 courses are organized and scheduled through the SCPS Regional Centers. Many of the courses are arranged by a particular school division through a Regional Center.
 
For the most up-to-date course offerings, please go to the SCPS Course Offering Website (click here). Under Quick Search: click on the desired semester, type in PHYS in Course Mnemonic: and click on SEARCH. You should see the PHYS 620 courses offered, dates, and the abbreviation of the regional center.

Cost: Special educator rate of $210/credit hour for in-state tuition. Out-of-state tuition is $315/credit hour. Other fees may also apply. This tuition rate is good through summer 2007.

 
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  Email

If you have any questions please E-mail Professor Thornton at stt@virginia.edu
 

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