2026 Rickey Summer Science Institute
July 6-10, 2026
Marietta College Campus
Electricity and Magnetism for High School Teachers
Institute Dates
The five-day institute will consist of morning and afternoon sessions,
Beginning Monday, July 6, 2026, and finishing Friday, July 10, 2026
Instructors
The Institute will be conducted by Drs. Craig Howald, Dennis Kuhl, and Ann Bragg of the Physics Department at Marietta College.
The R.S.S.I. Vision
Through shared exploration of new learning and teaching models, we seek to contribute to the effort to improve physics and astronomy education in the United States. We emphasize direct interaction with the physical world because research shows this is the most powerful means by which students can develop an understanding of science concepts.
“… I was very blessed to have had the experience at the Rickey Institute that I had. The contacts that I made with other teachers, the materials and help they shared, the software, tools and experience that the institute provided, and the modeling the professors demonstrated were more than what I had hoped for.
- H. Hardy, past participant
BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPANTS
- All instruction is free of charge.
- Participants in the Institute will be given a variety of hardware, software, and curricular materials to take back to their respective schools.
- Free room and board are provided.
- Continuing Education Units are available free of charge.
Graduate credit is available.
GRADUATE CREDIT
Participants have the option to register for three graduate credits for which they pay their own tuition. The tuition cost for the optional credits is $1,455. The credit is given through the Department of Education at Marietta College, for the course EDUC 671-99 Special Topics: Electricity and Magnetism
INSTITUTE DESCRIPTION
We will explore the teaching and learning of important introductory physics concepts in the areas of electricity, electric circuits, and magnetism. A typical day will involve the review of a written assignment, hands-on and computer-based laboratory activities, and discussion sessions. Common misconceptions will be confronted and overcome by guiding the participants through the development of a scientist’s model for understanding nature.
The activities will be either directly applicable or adaptable to the participants’ own classrooms.
We will use research-based pedagogical materials. Participants will receive integrated hardware, software, and curriculum to take for use at their schools. The lecture will be in the form of interactive lecture demonstration sequences, which model the type of effective pedagogy the participants will present themselves.
Over 380 participants have attended Rickey Summer Science Institutes since 2002. Many have used elements in a variety of ways to become more effective educators.
RSSI Application Process
This year’s institute is open to past participants, as well as newcomers.
Limited space is available. Participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, complete the application form below. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Kuhl at dennis.kuhl@ marietta.edu or 740.376.4482.