1. Compendium of items from Vicphysics Newsletters
This email newsletter has been operating since 2003. While many newsletter items have been on forthcoming events for students and teachers, there have been many items of ongoing value on resources, teaching strategies, etc, such as the ones below. Some years ago these were combined into one document, which has been progressively added to, past items have also been checked for currency. The document now has over 500 individually numbered items and runs to 144 pages.
To assist with accessing this vast resource a companion index was prepared with the titles of the entries grouped by Area of Study and Teaching Strategies.  If you are looking for resources for relativity, say, go to that section in the index, take note of the numbers of the titles that interest you and look them up in the compendium.
The compendium and index can be accessed here at the bottom of the page.

2. Network Evening: Talk, Dinner and Catching up. Weds 13th December
The next Network Evening is on Wednesday, 13th December, at the Auburn Hotel, starting at 6pm.
Topic: What does the 2023 Nobel Prize mean for School Physics?
Speaker: Prof Jeffrey Davis, Swinburne University.  Prof David leads the ultrafast spectroscopy group.
Abstract: The 2023 Nobel prize for developing attosecond pulses of light and associated technologies offer contexts to enrich the teaching of quantum physics at the secondary level.
Cost: $45, (40 for Vicphysics subscribers)
To Book: Click here. for Flyer.


 
3. Webinar with Paul Davies, Was there a Big Bang? 12:00pm, Tues 31st Oct
The Arizona State University in the US is holding a Zoom Webinar titled 'Was there a Big Bang?'.  It will feature Paul Davies and Maulik Parikh, both of whom are at the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science at Arizona State University.  The webinar is at 6pm Monday, 30th Arizona time, which correspond to midday, Melbourne time on Tuesday, 31st October.
Description: Recently, several astronomers and physicists have called into question the universe’s age and whether the Big Bang even happened. They argue that the Big Bang is contradicted by recent evidence from the James Webb Space Telescope and that there is a better explanation for why our universe appears the way it does. Some alternative theories suggest the universe isn’t expanding at all, or if it is, the age of the cosmos is perhaps twice as large as previously thought. I will review the evidence for and against these claims and where cosmologists go from here in our attempt to understand the origin of the cosmos.
To register: click here. 4. Free online PD from ANSTO over three evenings in November
This free course on Isotopes, Radioactivity and Nuclear Medicine aims to build teacher understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with the production of nuclear medicines.  ANSTO will also model new ways to teach Year 9 and 10 students about isotopes and radioactivity using ICT, real data and science inquiry skills.

Dates: Wednesday 8th, 15th, 22nd November from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, except 15th which runs until 9:00pm

For more details and to register, click here. 5. Aiming Higher: Improving Science Education in Victorian Schools, 6:00pm, Thurs, 2nd Nov, Royal Society of Victoria (Hybrid)
The Royal Society of Victoria is holding a Forum on Science Education with speakers, Prof Amanda Berry, Professor of STEM Education at RMIT and Prof Jan Van Driel, Professor of Science Education at Melb Uni along with a panel of the Director of Tech Schools with Ed Dept and the President of STAV.
What do teachers need to feel supported and valued in sustaining their practice, and what do our primary and secondary students need from teachers to feel engaged and inspired by the challenges of the science curriculum? Join two leaders in pedagogical research to explore opportunities to improve both student outcomes and the status of science teaching in Victoria.
Venue: Royal Society of Victoria, 8 La Trobe St, Melbourne and online
Cost: $10 in person, $5 online
To register and for more details, click here.
  6. Teaching Excellence Program Applications open until 29th October
 Applications for the Academy’s 2024 Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) will remain open until Sunday 29 October 2023. 
 Did you know TEP is Australia's only advanced professional learning program of its kind in Australia? It is a year-long program designed to advance the professional knowledge and practice of teachers from Victorian government, Catholic and Independent schools.    
 Teachers accepted into the program will have access to the latest evidence-informed research to apply in their classrooms. Through the program, teachers will advance their knowledge in their learning areas and will improve their capability and confidence to teach more effectively.   
 This is the final opportunity to apply and be part of an exceptional teaching community in 2024. Many applications are well underway, and the Academy is now progressing with shortlisting, interviews and offers.  
 Find out more about this exciting program: 

• Watch the TEP video 
• Visit the TEP web page 

7. Spin Launch Technology: A context for Circular Motion problems

• a comprehensive article on the potential and the problems, possibility of a trial in Australia
• youtube video,
• company website

8. Interested in applying for VCAA position of State Reviewer for Physics?
VCAA is seeking applicants for State Reviewers for most VCE subjects including Physics.  

VCE State Reviewers provide subject-matter expertise to support VCAA’s work of conducting the annual audit of school-based assessment, delivering VCAA professional learning programs, providing feedback and advice to schools, and assisting in the preparation of published advice to schools and teachers.

The VCE State Reviewer is a paid position. Candidates who are currently teaching or have recently taught the study at Units 3 and 4 level are preferred.  The Reviewer task does not impact on teaching responsibilities.

Applications close on Friday 3 November 2023.  To lodge an expression of interest, click here, and go to bottom of the page.

For information about the roles and responsibilities of this important position, please refer to the VCE State Reviewer roles and responsibilities and conditions of appointment document available at VCE general advice and policy.

9. Events for Students

a) Physics Days at Luna Park in 2024
The dates for 2024 are Monday 4th March to Friday 8th March.
Luna Park bookings will not open until December, but schools can now seek approval for their school administrations.  The student fee will be $31.50 and a deposit of 30% is required to confirm the booking.
Aerobatic displays have been requested, but confirmation is not received until February.
The worksheets have not been updated since they were first written in 2004.  The terminology for forces has changed and there have been some content changes, so the worksheets will be updated in Term 4.

b) Astrochemistry – identifying the molecules present in interstellar space. What’s out there?, 6:30pm, Thurs, 26th Oct, University of Melbourne.
Topic: Interstellar Chemistry and the Mystery of the Diffuse Interstellar Bands
Speaker: Prof. Evan Bieske, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne
Abstract: When light travels to earth from distant stars it is absorbed by molecules in the intervening space. A long-standing mystery is connected with the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs), more than 500 absorption lines in the visible part of the spectrum, which until recently could not be connected with any known atom or molecule. Explaining the DIBs, which are presumably associated with exotic molecules, represents one the greatest challenges in molecular spectroscopy. Speculation has abounded – including claims that the DIB carriers are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules, carbon chains, dipole-bound anions, porphyrins, or colour centres in crystals. So far, despite intense experimental efforts, none of these candidate molecules has explained any of the DIBs. It was not until 2016 that five of the bands were assigned to the buckminsterfullerene cation, C60+. What of the remaining 500 DIBs? There is something out there, but what is it?
Venue: Glyn Davis Theatre, University of Melbourne
Catering: Canapés and Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream from 6pm
To Book: Click here.

c) Spooktacular Space - Things That Go Bump in the Dark!, 5:30pm - 8pm, Tues 31st Oct, Swinburne University
Join the Swinburne team for an exhilarating journey through the cosmos as they present "Spooktacular Space: Things That Go Bump in the Dark," a Public Lecture co-organised by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav), ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter
Particle Physics, and the Centre of Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne University.

Event Highlights include:

• Panel Discussion on mysterious cosmic phenomena
• Delectable themed canapés, grazing platters and drinks
• Dress Up for Halloween (Costumes Optional)
• Giveaways and a costume contest
• Stargazing with telescopes on the terrace (if the weather permits)
• Networking in the Sky Lounge *sort of under the stars

*This is a FREE event, registration is required for catering purposes.  Open to all ages - Families are welcome!
Panel: Prof Matthew Bailes, Dr Yuanming Wang, Renee Kay and Dr Sara Webb as MC.
To book and more details, click here.

d) DARK MATTERS: Interactive Tour, Science Gallery University of Melbourne
In this facilitator-led experience, students will be guided through the DARK MATTERS exhibition. In collaboration with Arts at CERN and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics, DARK MATTERS explores the fundamental essence of life and the universe, and how so much of it remains a mystery to us. This exhibition deep dives into the unseen, the unknown and the unspoken – will we ever fully understand the forces at play in our own lives, both on an individual level and on a planetary and universal scale?
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours.
Times and Dates: Between 11am and 5pm, Tues to Friday until 2nd Dec
Cost: $50 service fee plus $8 per student or $4 for low-SES and regional schools
Venue: Science Gallery, 700 Swanston St, Carlton
To Book: Click here.

e) STEM Schools Roadshow, 27th Nov - 8th Dec
University presenters will travel to low SES and regional schools, delivering activities to inspire high school students to study science.
Science Delivery aims to encourage students from a diverse range of backgrounds to study science and go to University, and ensure any barriers they are facing do not stop them from achieving their career goals. The program is presented by Bachelor of Science students from the University of Melbourne, who have all overcome challenges to achieve success in their studies. 
The program is aimed at students in Year 7 – Year 10
Dates: 27th Nov - 1st Dec (Melbourne), 4th - 8th Dec (Warrnambool region)
Cost: Free
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours for 1 to 2 classes
Style: Students will firstly gather together to watch the science demonstrations, and then break off into small groups to work through science activities. They will then gather together again to hear more from the presenters and to wrap up the session.
For more details, click here.

10. Events for Teachers 
 a) Physics at 5. An opportunity to network
Wanting to bounce around some lesson ideas, mull over a tricky question, or unpack a physics concept?
Vicphysics is hosting a weekly, half-hour online Zoom drop-in session on Tuesdays at 5:00pm.
Great opportunity to check in with other colleagues about any aspect of Physics teaching and learning!  The discussions will be moderated by members of the Vicphysics Committee.
This is the zoom link. The Meeting ID is 815 1456 7258 and the Passcode: 459295. The Waiting Room will be used.
The same link, ID and passcode will be used for future Tuesday gatherings.
Each meeting is planned to go for about 30 minutes.

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13.   Physics News from the Web
Items selected from the bulletin of the Institute of Physics (UK).
Each item below includes the introductory paragraphs and a web link to the rest of the article.
a) Powering the green economy: the quest for magnets without rare earths
Magnets might not be something on most people’s minds, but they are essential for the burgeoning “green economy”, lying at the heart of motors for electric vehicles and generators in wind turbines. Demand is rising particularly for the powerful, permanent magnets made from alloys of “rare-earth” elements. But with uncertainty over the continued supply of rare earths, the search is on for alternative magnets that perform as well but are completely made from other elements.
b) Nobel Prizes: Another Physics link. Peace prize awarded to a physicist.
The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the Iranian physicist Narges Mohammadi “for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all”. She becomes the third physicist after Andrei Sakharov in 1975 and Joseph Rotblat in 1995 to have won the prize.
c) Rethinking physics: Silvia Vignolini on succeeding at the boundary between disciplines
Silvia Vignolini, a physicist who studies natural photonic structures, talks to Julianna Photopoulos about working across traditional scientific boundaries, co-founding start-up companies, and setting up a new department from scratch.
“I always preferred science or maths over other subjects in school,” says Silvia Vignolini, “but I had no idea what a physicist actually did.” Growing up in a small town outside Florence, Italy, Vignolini’s father in fact wanted her to study a subject that would lead to “a proper job” and her route into physics occurred rather by chance. “I had a great chemistry teacher, who would make us read science books and present them to the class.”
 

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