ALL EVENTS HELD IS KELLER HALL ROOM 3-230
8:30 am Registration Opens
9:00 am Introduction
9:15 am Presentations
TALK 1: ANANDA SHASTRI, MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MOORHEAD,
(9:15 am - 9:30 am)
PERCOLATION ACTIVITIES SUITABLE FOR INTRODUCTORY SCIENCE CLASSES
Abstract : Percolation theory originated from the study of liquid flow in porous media. The concepts find many interdisciplinary applications in physics, engineering, materials science, epidemiology, and geology. Two interesting consequences emerge: 1) the system property (conductance for example) changes rapidly as p passes a “critical” value pc (called the critical percolation threshold) and thus describes a phase transition for the system. 2) The value of this critical threshold depends on how interconnected the system is (how many “nearest neighbors” each site in the lattice has). We describe three experiments that demonstrate the phase transition phenomenon and reveal the connection between pc and the number of nearest neighbors. These experiments are intended for collaborative student groups, and may be completed within one or two lab periods.
TALK 2: DANIEL HICKOX-YOUNG, AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY
(9:35 am - 9:50 am)
AUTHENTIC RESEARCH EXPERIENCES IN MODERN PHYSICS LAB
Abstract : The modern physics lab represents a unique opportunity in our curriculum. Modern physics is generally taken by physics students during their second year, and the associated lab is typically their first physics lab experience where every student (or at least the vast majority of students) is pursuing some form of physics degree. Therefore, while we need to continue to help students acquire foundational skills, we believe the modern physics lab is an important opportunity to help students build a physics identity and to build a community of practice. To pursue this objective, we have designed a non-traditional modern physics lab, centered on the acquisition of transferable research skills, supported by regular discussions of what it means to be a physicist, and culminating in an abbreviated but authentic experience of research. This lab has been designed with the expertise of the instructor in mind (computational materials science) but the framework could easily be translated to match the disciplinary expertise of other instructors or other institutions.
TALK 3: JOLENE JOHNSON, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN -RIVER FALLS
(9:55 am–10:05 am)
HISTORY OF WOMEN IN PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY IN MINNESOTA
Abstract : This talk provides a brief overview of an ongoing project documenting the history of women in physics and astronomy in Minnesota. The presentation will examine historical and contemporary statistics regarding degrees awarded to women in these fields within the state, with a special focus on the first female PhD recipients in the 1920s. Finally, we will discuss future directions for this research, particularly the initiative to record and preserve the oral histories of women physicists and astronomers with ties to Minnesota
10:30 am Poster Session
STUDENT POSTERS:
Robert Morrison – Hamline University
Detecting Exoplanets in a Light Polluted Environment
Cinna Chang, McKenzie Wagner, Wade Tuggle, Dr. Lifeng Dong - Hamline University
Evaluating Minnesota Hardwoods as Biochar Precursors for Supercapacitors
Swastika Acharjee – University of Minnesota
IMPRESS (IMpulsive Phase Rapid Energetic Solar Spectrometer): A CubeSat Mission for Investigating Solar Flares with High-Cadence X-ray Spectroscopy
Zoke Sackih – University of Minnesota
Validating z>7.5 Lyman Break Galaxy candidates with PASSAGE
Mubarak Abdi – Augsburg University
Student-led Intercollegiate Rocketry Challenge
Jerid McDonald – Augsburg University
Bending and Flexing Halide Perovskite Solar Panels
11:30 am – 12:15 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
DR. KEN HELLER, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – TWIN CITIES
Thawing the Frozen Curriculum: A Modest Proposal to Adjust Physics Courses to Reflect Physics
12:00 - 1:15 pm LUNCH
1:15 - 1:45 pm Business Meeting
2pm Presentations
Talk 4: JENNIFER DOCKTOR, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – LAS CROSEE
(2:00 pm - 2:15 pm)
TEACHING PHYSICS PROBLEM-SOLVING IN THE AGE OF AI
Abstract : Problem-solving is an essential part of teaching and learning physics, yet the availability of online solutions and chatbots has dramatically changed the way students practice solving problems on course assignments. How can we encourage students to develop productive problem-solving strategies in the age of AI? I will share some observations and examples from my introductory calculus-based physics courses.
TALK 5: KATRINA MARSLENDER – UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
(2:20 pm - 2:35 pm)
TEACHING LAB-BASED ASTRONOMY IN MINNESOTA CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
Abstract : Transformation and Re-entry through Education and Community (TREC) is a program where incarcerated students in Minnesota correctional facilities can earn their associate's degrees through MCTC and bachelor's degrees through Metro State, and continues to support their education if/when students are released. I will talk about my experiences teaching a hybrid astronomy course in the Stillwater and Faribault facilities, with in-person labs, and some of the challenges, creativity, and benefits of teaching in this setting. I also plan to advertise this program, as we could use more physics and astronomy educators in TREC.
TALK 6: MOUMITA DASGUPTA – AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY
(2:40 pm - 2:55 pm)
FROM KITCHEN TO CANVAS – INNOVATIVE APPRAOCHS TO GEN ED LAB SCIENCE
Abstract : General education physics courses play a critical role in shaping scientific literacy among non-STEM majors.This talk shares over a decade of experience designing and teaching innovative lab-based general education physics courses at Augsburg University that emphasize accessibility, creativity, and hands-on learning. Physics of Food and Cooking, focused on food and materials science, combines lectures with a cooking lab where students explore concepts such as phases of matter, gels, foams, emulsions, elasticity, and viscosity through experimentation. A signature potluck project connects scientific ideas with students’ personal and cultural experiences. Physics for Fine Arts integrates physics with visual arts, photography, and sound, using project-based learning to explore light, motion, and perception.. These courses demonstrate how general education physics can serve as an engaging introduction to the scientific method while fostering interdisciplinary thinking. They are designed to be easily adopted by instructors, including adjunct faculty, and provide a foundation for developing creative upper-level lab experiences.
2:55 Closing
3:00 End