I ddarllen y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg, cliciwch yma os gwelwch yn dda. To read this page in Welsh, please click here.
Applications for a Welsh teacher to attend the 2023 LIGO International Physics and Astronomy (IPA) program are now open. Deadline: 31 March 2023
Educators based in Wales are invited to apply for funding to attend the programme.
LIGO’s International Physics and Astronomy (IPA) program for educators is an exciting one-week intensive program geared towards high school educators from around the world. Based at the LIGO Hanford Observatory, the IPA program offers participants opportunities to discuss with and hear from experts in modern physics and astronomy, tour sites of historic and scientific interest, and test out classroom activities that they can use in their home institutions. Topics of discussion range from nuclear physics to the emerging fields of gravitational wave and multi-messenger astronomy. The intent of the IPA program is to promote the teaching of modern physics in high schools by providing teachers with the opportunity to deepen their physics knowledge and fuel their passion for physics in an environment where teachers from around the world can exchange knowledge and experience. In 2019, attendees hailed from 11 countries
Teachers work in teams playing the role of student while learning new hands-on activities to be applied in their classrooms around the world.
The 2023 IPA program will be held at the LIGO Hanford Observatory in eastern Washington State, Sunday, July 16 to Saturday, July 22, 2023. Participants must be able to attend the entire program.
The program is currently scheduled to take place in-person with a limited number of participants; however, if a sharp rise in local COVID cases occurs the program will be moved online to take place virtually. If you have any questions about the programme please reach out to outreach@ligo-WA.caltech.edu.
“It was such a wonderful experience at LIGO, the impact it’s had on me is massive and we will make sure we implement as much as we can in the Curriculum for Wales.” (2022 Welsh Participant)
COVID Protocols
All participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be requested upon acceptance. Additionally, participants must follow all applicable LIGO Hanford Observatory safety protocols, including the use of masks when required.
Welsh Educator support
Financial support of up to £2000 is available for one teacher or educator based in Wales to support up to their participation in the programme. The successful applicant will be required to share their experiences with other teachers in local, regional or national networks.
Applicants should use the Welsh educator application form.
The financial support is for a maximum of £2000 and can cover the conference fee ($300), travel, accommodation, subsistence and other reasonable costs associated with participation.
This funding is provided by the Institute of Physics Wales Committee and the Cardiff University Gravity Exploration Institute. For more information, please contact chris.north@physics.org.
