Introducing teaching method:

One of the challenges in science education for high school students is to expose them to research in advanced physics when they lack a needed theoretical and mathematical background. In ACHERET we address this challenge through a project-oriented approach.
In this session we will describe the methodology and the principals we employ to perform physics research projects with 11th – 12th grades students. We will present the infrastructure and the support for such projects in ACHERET (ACHERET = a Multicultural Fellowship of Scholars / In a different manner).
We will present such a research project: a homemade Magnetic Levitron Device. Including a detailed derivation and measurement of the magnetic field and the forces involved, and an original way to calibrate the system. We will then discuss the challenges and dilemmas of introducing complex physical concepts to high-school students as demonstrated through this project, such as employing vector calculus and Hamiltonian mechanics.