Annual Spring Meeting

Information

Our 2024 Spring Meeting will take place at Roncalli High School on Friday evening, April 12 and Saturday, April 13

Cost is $30 which includes the program on Friday night, presentations and session on Saturday morning, and our business meeting and luncheon early Saturday afternoon.  The rate is discounted to $10 if you are a first-time attendee, and college students can attend for free!  

After you have registered, you can pre-pay your registration fee using the Pay Pal widget below.  Payment will also be accepted at the event.

Call for Presentations

At our Spring Meeting, Saturday morning and afternoon will include presentations by physics teachers and educators from around the state. We need presentation proposals from many of you in order to make this program a success, so please consider sharing your ideas and experiences with other physics instructors. Varying levels of experience and expertise are welcome. Plan now to attend and make a presentation!

Suggested Session Presentation Topics:

Presentations will be scheduled to run ~15 minutes plus five minutes for questions. A limited number of double block sessions will be accepted. Please indicate any special equipment needed.

Talks of any variety that might be beneficial to our association are welcome.  The deadline for submissions of presentations has been extended to Friday, April 5.

Meeting Agenda

Tentative Schedule

Friday Evening

Friday, April 12 - Roncalli High School

6:00-6:30 pm: Opening & Registration

6:30 - 7:30 pm: Demo Derby - Bring your favorite demonstration or that persistent puzzler to share with others during our demo derby.  Expect great discussions on unique items and ways of quickly showing concepts.  

7:30 - 8:30 pm: Makerspace Physics Workshop - Paul Shircliff, director of the Uplands Maker Mobile from the IU School of Education, will lead a workshop on maker-centered learning in physics education. 

8:45 pm: Social Hour - Attendees usually go out to eat somewhere together at this time.

Saturday

Saturday, April 13 - Roncalli High School

8:00-8:25 am: Registration: Mingling with light breakfast foods

8:30 am: President's Welcome and Meeting Information

8:40-12 noon: Concurrent sessions 

12 noon: Lunch (provided)

12:15-12:45pm Keynote Address by Ashikur Rahman, Ford Motor Company

Redefining Autonomy: The Role of Radar Technology in Shaping the Future of Autonomous Driving, Ashikur Rahman

The rapid evolution of autonomous driving technology has revolutionized the automotive industry, presenting unprecedented opportunities and challenges. As we navigate the complex landscape of autonomy, radar technology emerges as a pivotal enabler, reshaping the trajectory of self-driving vehicles. In this keynote address, we will delve into the transformative potential of radar in advancing the safety, reliability, and intelligence of autonomous driving systems. From high-resolution imaging radar to machine learning applications, we will explore the critical role of radar in enhancing perception, decision-making, and sensor fusion for L2-L3 autonomy and beyond. Through real-world case studies and technological insights, we will uncover the innovative capabilities of radar in navigating diverse environmental conditions, mitigating risks, and optimizing vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. Join us as we unravel the compelling narrative of radar's integration into the fabric of autonomous driving, charting a course towards a safer, more efficient, and truly autonomous future.

12:45-1:30 Business Meeting and Presentation of Awards

Directions and Lodging

Roncalli High School is located on the south side of Indianapolis.  The map below can be searched for nearby hotels, or contact local coordinator Ben Grimes for more information.  

Flyer