PEN The American Institute of Physics Bulletin of Physics Education News January/February 2000 1. SAT PHYSICS TEST DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE SEEKS HELP 2. EINSTEIN FELLOWS PROGRAM ANNOUNCED 3.AAS SETS UP SHAPLEY VISITING LECTURESHIPS FOR 2000-2001 4. IBM OFFERS RESEARCH AWARD FOR UNDERGRADUATE WOMEN SAT PHYSICS TEST DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE SEEKS HELP The Physics Test Development Committee seeks help in ensuring that the SAT II: Physics Test reflects the current practice in college-preparatory courses in high school. By completing a brief survey, high school teachers can assist the Committee in obtaining up-to-date information on these courses, helping guide the Committee in writing appropriate test questions. The SAT II: Physics Test is designed to assess students' knowledge at the level of a regular first-year physics course. Many colleges use the scores from this test in the admission and placement process. The survey will be available online until February 28, 2000, at: www.collegeboard.org/survey/physics Password: Physics2. Using the Internet will help save time and money, so please complete it online if you can. However, if you prefer a paper survey, please call 1-609-683-2278 or e-mail bestelle@ets.org to obtain one. EINSTEIN FELLOWS PROGRAM ANNOUNCED Applications are now being accepted for elementary and secondary science and math teachers to spend a year in Washington, DC, as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow. This fellowship is funded by the Department of Energy Office of Science, with participation from NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health. Minimum qualifications for each applicant include the following: must possess a minimum of five years of classroom teaching experience, must be a US citizen at the time of selection, must currently teach full-time, and must provide a letter of recommendation from a current school administrator, along with two additional letters of recommendation. Selection is based on excellence in teaching K-12 mathematics, science, or technology; demonstrated leadership ability; knowledge of national, state, and local education policies; and communication and interpersonal skills. Fellowships will begin in August or September of 2000. The application process closes on February 25, 2000. Applications for this program must be submitted online through the Department of Energy's Webpage at: http://www.orau.gov/einstein/ Further description of the program can be found there as well. Additional information about the program can be found at: http://www.trinaglecoalition.org/ein.htm AAS SETS UP SHAPLEY VISITING LECTURESHIPS FOR 2000-2001 The American Astronomical Society (AAS), through its Shapley Visiting Lectureships Program, arranges for astronomers to make two-day visits to colleges and universities that do not offer a PhD degree in Astronomy. During a visit, either for the spring of 2000 or the 2000-2001 academic year, the astronomer gives the Shapley Lecture, a talk on a popular level. This is open to all members of the community. The lecturer can also teach a class, give a colloquium and interact with students, staff and administrators. The host institution pays a fee of $250 to help offset the expenses of the visit. For further information concerning the program, a list of lecturers and subjects, and an interactive Visit Request Form which can be filled out and submitted via the Web, please access the Webpage at: http://www.union.edu/orgs/shapley IBM OFFERS RESEARCH AWARD FOR UNDERGRADUATE WOMEN IBM is again offering a research award program for women in physics and related fields. It offers a summer job, with mentor, at the IBM Almaden Research Center in San Jose CA. This is a great opportunity for undergraduate juniors and seniors to learn first-hand about research in science and engineering. The program's goals are to encourage women students to pursue graduate studies in science and engineering. The award consists of a $2,500 scholarship per year and a summer internship at IBM's Almaden Research Center in San Jose, CA. The criteria to be met for consideration include the following: * Applicant must be a female sophomore or junior; * Applicant must major in chemistry, physics, materials science or engineering, computer science or engineering, chemical,electrical, mechanical engineering; and * Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The application is to include a 250 word essay describing the student's interest in research and how this opportunity will advance her career goals. Also, the applicant's resume (not necessarily limited to a single page), official copy of transcript, and two letters of recommendation must accompany the application. Application forms can be obtained and printed from the Web site http://www.almaden.ibm.com/st/Scholarship/APS-CSWP/application.html The deadline for receipt of application and all supporting materials is March 1, 2000 (postmarked). Submit applications and supporting documentation by March 1, 2000 to: IBM Internship Award for Women, c/o Sue Otwell, Education & Outreach - 4th floor, The American Physical Society, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740. *************************************************************** Please tell us your opinion of PEN. To subscribe, send an e-mail message to: "listserv@aip.org". Leave the "Subject" line blank. In the body of the message, enter the following command: "add pen". To access the PEN archives on the World Wide Web, connect to: http://www.aip.org/enews/pen To unsubscribe, send an e-mail message to: "listserv@aip.org". Leave the "Subject" line blank. In the body of the message, enter the following command: "delete pen" (without the quotes). American Institute of Physics Education Division Guest Author: Stephanie Campbell Editor: Dr. Philip W. Hammer bhammer@aip.org, 301-209-3013 ***************************************************************