Schedule

10:00 to 10:15 - Introduction from Host Institution, Stefan Stoianov, Scott Schultz

10:15 to 11:15 - Keynote Presentation
Title: State of Iowa Physics Competition 

Presenter: Lawrence Escalada, Jeff Morgan

Abstract:   The State of Iowa Physics Competition is a one-day competition for Iowa high school physics students hosted by the University of Northern Iowa Department of Physics each April.  The next competition will take place on April 7, 2026.  Last year’s and this year’s competition consisted of a series of events including the catapult, mousetrap car, flying machine, optical slalom, and Fermi Questions.  The competition emphasizes the scientific and engineering practices found in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and participation in the competition integrated with appropriate instruction can address the New Iowa Academic Standards for Science.  Participating schools can compete in one or more events in teams of 2 students per event.  Students compete for medals for each individual event as well as medals and trophies for school teams.  The Physics Competition and individual events will be introduced, and participants will engage in two of the events.             Note:  The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Frederick and Florence Bauder Endowment for the Support of Physics Teaching Fund co-sponsored the 2025 State of Iowa Physics Competition.  

11:20 to 10:35 - Presentation

Title: Dilemmas in Focus: Reflecting on the Lived Experiences of Secondary Science Student Teachers Through “A Picture and a Story”

Presenter: E.J. Bahng, Veronica Herrera

Abstract: This collective self-study investigates the lived experiences of Secondary Science Student Teachers (SSSTs) during their student teaching semester through a weekly reflective storytelling practice called “A Picture and a Story.” Framed within a STEAM-based approach, the study explores how this strategy supports student-teacher well-being and contributes to the development of constructivist and ambitious science teaching identity. Conducted in a Science Methods II course (EDUC 4190/5190) in a Midwestern MAT program, the study involved eight SSSTs (primarily biology and chemistry) and their course instructor, who facilitated the process.  Each week, SSSTs selected an image and wrote a 500-word reflective story, producing 12–14 image-story entries each. Data also included instructor field notes from weekly class discussions. Using Windschitl’s Four Categories of Dilemmas—conceptual, pedagogical, cultural, and political—the study identified themes across student teaching experiences. Political dilemmas, particularly those involving cooperating teachers, impacted SSST well-being. Pedagogical dilemmas related to autonomy in planning, especially when using OpenSciEd. Cultural dilemmas included student disengagement and inconsistent school policies. Conceptual dilemmas surfaced in decisions about how to persist with unengaged students. This study highlights the value of visual-narrative reflection for identity development, resilience, and emotional processing during student teaching.
 

11:40 to 11:55 - Presentation

Title: Bring Your Own Model (BYOM): Reclaiming Physics Learning in the Age of AI 

Presenters: Tony McCutchan, Winterset High School

Abstract: BYOM requires students to predict before they compute—building their own physics models prior to collecting and analyzing real ride data at Adventureland. Using AI only after modeling, students reconcile prediction and reality through “Defend Your Learning” discussions. This session demonstrates how BYOM transforms AI from an answer machine into a collaborator in authentic, model-based physics learning.

12:00 to 1:30 - Break for Lunch

Conversation: HOW DO WE INCLUDE AI INTO OUR TEACHING STRATEGIES?  Continuing the discussion from last meeting

TAKE A GROUP PHOTO

1:00 to 1:30 - IAAPT Business Meeting

1:30 to 2:00 - Presentation

Title: PVC Physics

Presenter: Dale Stille

Abstract:  PVC sheets and pipes can be used to make a variety of cheap lab equipment or demonstrations.  I will show a variety of these demonstrations and discuss how to make them and some of the difficulties of their fabrication.

1:00 to 2:00 - Presentation

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2:00 to 2:45 - Presentation

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3:00 - Adjourn the Meeting