From the Universe to the Atom – HSC Physics Module 8

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$310AUD + GST per person for 4.5 hours of PL

This self-paced, on-demand course provides in depth professional learning for teachers new to HSC Physics and also experienced teachers seeking further development around From the Universe to the Atom for Teachers.

During this course, participants will:

  • Learn the content for HSC Physics Module 8 – From the Universe to the Atom, so they in turn will be able to best teach Module 8 and support student learning:
    • Origins of the Elements
    • Structure of the Atom
    • Quantum Mechanical Nature of the Atom
    • Properties of the Nucleus
    • Standard Model
  • Learn how to perform the mandatory and recommended experiments for From the Universe to the Atom safely with commonly available equipment
  • Learn how to tackle a variety of new questions for From the Universe to the Atom and how to best structure responses to aid student learning
  • Learn common student misconceptions in From the Universe to the Atom and how to avoid or overcome them
  • Acquire appropriate and varied pedagogies for From the Universe to the Atom
  • Receive resources you can use with your students

Feedback from participants

“Covers all the content of the module and has plugged all gaps in my knowledge prior to teaching it.”

Course Designed by Dr Simon Crook & Paul Looyen


Dr Simon Crook is Director of CrookED Science and a very experienced HSC Physics teacher and provider of Physics professional learning. Simon holds a PhD in Physics Educations Research (USyd), a BSc (Hons) in Physics (Manchester) and is Honorary Associate and the University of Sydney School of Physics. Simon has been working with many high schools and school systems to best prepare their teachers and students for HSC Physics, including his regular partnership schools. In addition, Simon has been in regular dialogue with STANSW, NESA and The University of Sydney, as well as having articles published in The Conversation, Australian Physics and AARE, regarding the HSC Physics syllabus and exams. Previously, he was a HSC Physics Marker for several years and also worked on HSC Physics Advice Line. As such, Simon is in the unique position of currently teaching to a wide variety of students while delivering many professional learning and student workshops around the HSC Physics syllabus and exams.

 

 

Paul Looyen is Physics teacher at Macarthur Anglican School. Previously he was Physics Expert Facilitator at CrookED Science and Faculty Head of Science at Macarthur Anglican School. Paul has over 28 years Physics teaching experience in both government and independent schools, including three years in the USA. He has extensive marking experience of HSC Physics including four years as Senior Marker and three years as Second in Charge of Marking. Paul has also been on numerous examination writing committees. As a result, he has presented at Meet the Markers run by the Science Teachers Association NSW for many years, and been invited to conduct numerous HSC review seminars for students through several universities. In 2019, Paul was invited to attend the International Teacher Program run at CERN, Switzerland, and the following year he was invited to attend the International Teacher Program at LIGO, based in the USA. This led to running professional development for teachers, on the physics of CERN, for ANSTO and CONASTA. In 2021, he was awarded Outstanding Professional Service Award by STANSW. In 2022, Paul co-authored ‘HSC Physics A+ Practice Exams’, a HSC exam book published by Cengage Learning. He also has had articles published in The Conversation and Australian Physics. Paul is perhaps best known for his popular YouTube channel, Physics High, developing content to aid a better understanding of physics at a high school level.