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A Conceptual Physical Science Modeling Workshop will be held at Estrella Mountain Community College, June 1-12.

The workshop is initially opened for science teachers of the Tolleson Unified High School District only. We have 4 spots for out-of-district teachers! 

Content:        Conceptual Physical Science Modeling Workshop
Dates:            June 1-12 (M-T-W-Th)
Leaders:        Jeff Hengesbach and Phil Root
Location:       Estrella Mountain Community College
                       Room TBD
                       3000 N Dysart Rd, Avondale, AZ 85392
Costs:            $400

Course Description:
This course was designed to address as many of the Disciplinary Core Ideas for High School Physical Science in the NGSS as could be accomplished coherently in one year. It connects key concepts in physics, chemistry and math that will help students understand their world and provide a solid foundation for subsequent science courses. Rather than simply confirming what students have learned from their teacher, the experiments provide the opportunities for students to develop models to help them make sense of their observations. The course could be called “Describing and Understanding Change” because it addresses change in the position, speed, structure and temperature of matter and the role energy plays in this change. The treatment of the physics concepts relating to how things move and why they move were carefully selected to reinforce the algebraic and graphical skills students have just learned or are learning at the same time they take this course. The concepts of kinetic molecular theory and energy storage and transfer during phase and chemical changes (usually addressed in chemistry) build on the particle models introduced in the earlier units. It prepares students for continued studies in biology, geology, chemistry and physics. Meet our leaders:
Jeff Hengesbach holds a BA from Arizona State University in Secondary Education, with dual majors in Physics and Math and a MA from Northern Arizona University in Educational Leadership, and a PhD in Psychology focused on Educational Technology at Grand Canyon University. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his career as a high school science teacher after participating in the first modeling workshop in 1992 as an undergraduate student at ASU. Over the years he has taught science courses from middle school to the graduate level, led Modeling Workshops across the nation, and supported modeling curricular and workshop development efforts. Jeff Hengesbach has held various leadership roles in several independent schools which has allowed him to live in several places around the nation. As the Executive Officer for the American Modeling Teachers Association he grew to appreciate the good-work being done within the science educational community by so many dedicated and passionate educators. Jeff is currently a residential faculty member at Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale, AZ. In addition to his professional life he is an avid reader and martial arts enthusiast, a dedicated father and husband, and adventure hiker, and is looking forward to getting to know everyone as we work together in this exceptional community!

Phil Root has been involved with the Modeling Instruction program since attending his first workshop in 2004. In terms of research experience, the research for his Master’s degree (2010) focused on researching teaching energy from both traditional and modeling instruction perspectives. He currently is applying the principles of modeling instruction in both his Fundamental and General Chemistry classes at Scottsdale Community College.  Other experience with Modeling Instruction includes leading workshops for teacher professional development, and planning and leading workshops in the Modeling Instruction courses of Chemistry, Chemistry II, Middle School Science, Physical Science, and Thermodynamics. Mr. Root has worked with Dr. Levi Torrison in developing and revising the curriculum that supports the Modeling Instruction in Thermodynamics workshop. Mr. Root has also worked Dr. Torrison and Dr. Fiona Lihs to generate and revise curriculum for the Fundamental and General Chemistry courses at their respective community colleges.  The curriculum development has centered around model-based instruction and active engagement of students.


AMTA accepts purchase orders if the school pays, please email wendy@modelinginstruction.org for the invoice.
Payment can also be made in full at the time of registration.