Summer Physics Academy

Each summer, science teachers attend the unique Summer Physics Academy at Buffalo State. This program is ideal for those who teach full time during the school year.  Workshop classes are offered during the summer and electives are offered at night and online. Visiting (non Buffalo State College) students must apply before registering. Three courses are offered during the summer, after schools close.  All courses are taught by a collaboration between college faculty members and experienced master (high school) physics teachers. The work is intensive, and instructors are available during and after class to assist with assignments and projects.

Tuition and fees are roughly $500/credit (in-state) and $1000/credit (out-of-state). See BSC's Accounts website for more exact tuition info. Some financing is available. Students who do not need the full credits may be able to arrange for lower tuition. Please contact Dan MacIsaac for details.

For those choosing to live on or near campus (strongly encouraged!), apartment-style housing is available on campus (~$60 per night in 2022), and several hotels are nearby. Parking permits are $10.

For information on how to apply, visit http://graduateschool.buffalostate.edu/ (link opens a new window).

Summer 2025 Course offerings:

  • PHY622 Electricity and Magnetism for High School Teachers (6cr) This class will meet in-person July 7-July 25, 2025, 8:00 am-4:30 pm M-F, then online, mostly asynchronously, July 28- August 8, 2025.  (taught by Dr. Dan MacIsaac and an experienced, effective high school teacher); contact macisadl@buffalostate.edu.

Courses

PHY510 (4 cr) Regent’s Physics Science Practices

Previously known as the New Physics Teachers Workshop, this acclaimed workshop presents an introduction to the physics activities and curricular issues faced by newly assigned physics teachers. Taught by Dr. David Henry and colleagues, the content and pedagogy are designed for new physics teachers. During the workshop, the participants will:

  • Assess and develop their understanding of fundamental physics concepts
  • Become familiar with effective classroom activities and strategies that lead to successful physics teaching with the NYS Science Learning Standards.
  • Experience laboratory activities designed to help all physics students develop successful problem-solving skills.
  • Experience classroom instruction that effectively integrates group activities that build on prior knowledge.
  • Examine assessment instruments designed to help physics students prepare for the Regents Physics Exam.
  • Experience computer-enhanced instructional practices for developing science concepts elusive to other teaching strategies.
  • Practice implementing research-based instructional strategies.

For more information about PHY 510 workshop course contact Dave Henry, (716) 878-5619.

PHY620 (6cr) Mechanics for High School Teachers

Designed for MS/HS physics teachers interested in teaching force, motion and energy using a modeling curriculum. Teachers in this course will work through the renowned Modeling Physics curriculum as modified to meet NYS Science Learning Standards needs as both students and teachers, learning modeling pedagogy and the use of modeling methods such as whiteboarding, system schema and energy pie charts and more. Taught via reformed teaching methods.

For more information about PHY 620 contact Dan MacIsaac, (716) 878-3802.

PHY622 (6cr): Electricity and Magnetism for High School Teachers

Teachers in this course will work through the renowned Modeling Physics curriculum as modified to meet NYS Science Learning Standards needs as both students and teachers, learning modeling pedagogy and the use of modeling methods such as whiteboarding, system schema and energy pie charts and more. Taught via reformed teaching methods.

For more information about PHY 622 contact Dan MacIsaac, (716) 878-3802.

Summer Academy Housing

On campus housing is available to Summer Physics Academy students. To reserve on-campus housing for a summer course, please send an email with your name, address, phone number, Banner ID and the course you are attending to reslife@buffalostate.edu, and CC: David Henry at henryd@buffalostate.edu and Dan MacIsaac macisadl@buffalostate.edu. The deadlines for reserving housing are around July 1.

Accommodation will likely be at the Student Apartment Complex (STAC). Each suite has four single bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen. Facilities include air conditioning and wireless internet. Cost will be about $60/day. 

Here are some notes about the apartments:

  • Buffalo summers can be hot or chilly, so bring layers of clothes.
  • The kitchen is not supplied with any utensils.  You will need to bring a small number of items with which to cook and eat.
  • There is no microwave in the apartments. You can bring one if you wish.  There is a full sized refrigerator and stove.
  • Linens will be provided (bed linens, blanket, pillow and a towel), but feel free to bring your own if that would make you more comfortable. You might want to bring your own towels because those provided are kind of small :).
  • There are laundry facilities and gym facilities available for summer residents.

If you have any questions about this process please contact David Henry, henryd@buffalostate.edu. 

If you must give a emergency contact number or address where you can be reached while you are at the Summer Physics Teachers Academy Teachers (other than your personal cell phone), contact Dr. David Henry (henryd@buffalostate.edu).

Mail can be sent to:

      YOUR NAME c/o
      Department of Physics SAMC162
      1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo NY 14222 USA.