Kay Fincher

Thumbnail photo of Kay Fincher
Title
Adjunct Faculty - Physical Sciences
Department
Physical Sciences

Education

  • B.S. West Texas A&M University
  • M.N.S. Arizona State University

Previous Positions

PositionStartEnd
Science Teacher, Bonham Middle School, Amarillo, TX1990-09-242000-07-31
Physics Teacher, Amarillo High School, Amarillo, TX2000-08-012015-05-29
Part-Time Instructor, Amarillo College2007-08-272014-12-12
Physics Team Leader, Amarillo High School, Amarillo, TX2009-08-232015-05-29

Courses Taught at Amarillo College

Course IDCourse NameTerm
PHYS-1401-DC001College Physics I2025SP
PHYS-1402-DC002College Physics II2025SP
PHYS-1401-DC001College Physics I2024SP
PHYS-1402-DC002College Physics II2024SP
PHYS-1401-DC001College Physics I2023SP
PHYS-1402-DC002College Physics II2023SP
PHYS-1417-001Physical Science II2022SP
PHYS-1417-001Physical Science II2022SP
PHYS-1401-DC001College Physics I2022SP
PHYS-1402-DC002College Physics II2022SP
PHYS-1417-001Physical Science II2021SP
PHYS-1401-DC001College Physics I2021SP
PHYS-1402-DC002College Physics II2021SP
PHYS-1417-001Physical Science II2020SP
PHYS-1417-001Physical Science II2020SP
PHYS-1401-DC001College Physics I2020SP
PHYS-1402-DC001College Physics II2020SP
PHYS-1401-DC003College Physics I2019SP
PHYS-1402-DC001College Physics II2019SP

Other Credentials

Credential
June 1990, Texas Composite Science Teaching Certificate (any science grades 6-12)
WTAMU PHYS 101 & 102 College Physics I & II
WTAMU PHYS 101L & 102 L College Physics Labs I & II
WATMU MATH 111 Plane Trigonometry
WTAMU MATH 112 Calculus I
WTAMU PHYS 321 Principles of Physical Sciences
WTAMU PHYS 341 Laboratory Problems (Physical Sciences Lab)
ASU PHYS 530 Methods of Teaching Physics: Mechanics--award-winning research-based physics pedagogy along with advanced content in kinematics, dynamics, energy, and momentum.
ASU PHYS 531 Methods of Teaching Physics: Models of Light--award-winning, research-based physics pedagogy along with advanced content in the three models of light (particle model, wave model, & photon model)
ASU PHYS 594 Conf/Workshop in Mechanical Waves--award-winning, research-based physics pedagogy along with advanced content in mechanical waves such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference patterns, sound, and harmonics
ASU PHYS 594 Conf/Workshop in Microscopic Model of Electricity & Magnetism--award-winning, research-based physics pedagogy along with advanced content in electric forces, fields, circuits, and magnetism
ASU PHYS 550 Physics & Astronomy--integration of astronomy concepts such as planetary orbits, stellar composition, and space-time concepts into physics courses
ASU PHYS 564 Light & Electron Optics--mechanics of how light and electron microscopes use lenses and magnets to focus beams of energy allowing visual inspection of very small objects
ASU PHYS 581 Structure of Matter--atomic structure, crystalline forms, and how energy interacts with atoms and molecules
ASU PHYS 594 Conf/Workshop in Advanced Modeling Theory--study of latest physics education research, physics pedagogy, cognitive theories of learning, and managing Socratic discourse in the classroom

Publications, Presentations, Public Works and Awards

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) - 2017 Texas State Finalist

WORKSHOP LEADER

"Physics Modeling Instruction Workshop in Mechanics," St. Edward's University, Austin, TX, June 2016

"Physics Modeling Instruction Workshop in Mechanics," St. Thomas High School, Houston, TX, July 2017

WORKSHOP LEADER:

"An Introduction to Modeling Instruction," Region XVI, Amarillo, TX, July 2014

"Physical Science Modeling Workshop," Greenhill School, Addison, TX, June 2013

"Physics Modeling Instruction Workshop in Mechanics," Ursuline Academy, Dallas, TX, July 2007

PRESENTATIONS:

"Introduction to Physics Modeling Instruction," 1st Annual Region XVI Math & Science Conference, Region XVI Education Service Center, September 2012

"Teaching Energy using Physics Modeling Instruction," 1st Annual Region XVI Math & Science Conference, Region XVI Education Service Center, September 2012

"Physics and Inquiry:  A Recipe for Success," 55th Annual Conference on Science Education, NSTA, St. Louis, MO, March 2007

"Using Inquiry Labs to Increase Student Interest and Achievement in Science," Amarillo Independent School District Staff Development, AHS, Amarillo, TX, August 2007

"Misconceptions in Physics Teaching," Panhandle Area Science and Math Collaborative, WTAMU, Canyon, TX, September 2006

"Physics and Inquiry:  A Recipe for Success," 54th Annual Conference on Science Education, NSTA, Anaheim, CA, April 2006

"High School Physics Share Session--Physics Modeling Instruction," 54th Annual Conference on Science Education, NSTA, Anaheim, CA, April 2006

"Physics Inquiry Labs:  How to Create and Manage Inquiry Labs," Panhandle Area Science and Math Collaborative, WTAMU, Canyon, TX, September 2005

"An Introduction to the Online University of Texas Homework Service," Panhandle Area Science and Math Collaborative, WTAMU, Canyon, TX, September 2005

"Using Simple Experiments to Teach Common Formulas," Panhandle Area Science and Math Collaborative, WTAMU, Canyon, TX, September 2004

"An Introduction to the Online University of Texas Homework Service," Panhandle Area Science and Math Collaborative, WTAMU, Canyon, TX, September 2004

"Building a Model of Constant Velocity Using Toy Cars," Panhandle Area Science and Math Collaborative, WTAMU, Canyon, TX, September 2003

"An Introduction to the Online University of Texas Homework Service," Panhandle Area Science and Math Collaborative, WTAMU, Canyon, TX, September 2003

"Introduction to the Modeling Method of Physics Instruction," Amarillo High School Staff Development, AHS, Amarillo, TX, August 2003

AWARDS

Amarillo ISD Customer Service Award, nominated by students, May 2008

Amarillo ISD Customer Service Award, nominated by students, Jan 2011

Amarillo ISD Customer Service Award, nominated by students, May 2011