Eric HauensteinMember, American Association of Physics Teachers

 Before ESC, I went to school @:• Clarkson University – B.S. in Electrical Engineering• SUNY Plattsburgh – MS in Teaching - 15 credits• Wright State University – MA in Literature/Philosophy – 32 creditsTeaching Experience?• Tutor (20 years) Secondary school/college Physics, Math, English; SAT and GED prep• Electrical Engineering TA for John Hopkins• Ran the Homework Club inner city after school program • Taught Home School English and Creative WritingHmm… What else?• I received a grant from NYSERDA for Alternative Energy Research• I am the Author of technical manuals, short fiction, poetry, essays, articles, and a novel• Worked at an Addiction Recovery Halfway House• Engineered Systems for Nuclear Power Plants• Served as an Officer in the United States Air Force

This year I am happily participating in ESC’s pilot Intensive Residency Program at Schenectady

High School, for Physics.

Looking at something changes it!!! http://www.metacafe.com/watch/4096579/dr_quantum_double_slit_experiment_entanglement/

Here’s a read re. the evolution of Physics into the quantum era… http://seatofthesoul.com/books/dancing-wu-li-masters/

View of the Large Hadron Collider cryo-magnet inside the tunnel. (Maximilien Brice, © CERN)

As I teach, I find myself dropping bits of insight, and facts about modern physics, quantum and string theories, particle physics, and other more ‘advanced’ concepts which have not found their way into the high

school curriculum. Such wonderful digressions, coupled with a sense of humor and lots of energy and compassion, constitute a large part of my teaching style. Eyes invariably

light up!

As a Physics student, what most motivated me was having my mind blown. For instance, when Prof Sully told us that as an object’s speed approaches that of light (3x108 m/s) its volume approaches zero, and its mass goes to infinity. Or as temperature approaches absolute zero (-273º C) all molecular motion stops.

Imagining objects imploding, atoms falling apart, black holes, and other crazy stuff, I found my brain working in divergent, creative ways, and I was inspired to become genuinely interested in Physics, and actually think about science on my own time…

SuperconductivitySuperconductivity

As a proponent of technology’s judicious use in the Physics classroom, I advocate the introduction, apart from lab apparatus, one new piece of hardware or software per unit. I have found much more than that can actually detract from internalization of content.

Look forward to working with you all :)