NMSI teacher training in Indy

NMSI training in Indianapolis
This week I'm having a great time working with some excellent mathematics teachers from across the state

At 1:07 min and 1:55 min of the video of the news clip, you can see the group mostly Algebra 1, Geometry, Alg 2, and Pre-calculus teachers I worked with.  More about information about the National Math & Science Initiative is at nms.org and here is info specifically about the teacher training program.

Polarization lab

During the 4th quarter project, I have had students rig up a rotational motion sensor and a set of polarizing films with the light intensity sensor resting on the bottom polarizer. When the intensity of light is graphed with respect to the angle, the Law of Malus is confirmed.

This is an innovative use of the rotary motion sensor, that is able to be used with the TI-Nspire shown by using a Lab Cradle. This could also be done by using the USB cord and plugging the TI-Lab Cradle into a computer that has the TI-Nspire software.
A rubber band is connected to the Vernier rotary motion sensor a the cut plastic water bottle as shown below. The portion of the water bottle rests nicely on a ring stand.
An incandescent lamp or flashlight above the top polarizer was used in a darkened room.