Jodi McCullough (top) and
Dick Zitto during a recent
YAPA meeting at David
Anderson High School in Lisbon. 

What is YAPA?

YAPA - the quick way of saying the "Youngstown Area Physics Alliance," is a way for teachers to meet, share ideas, learn new demos, and connect.


The YSU Physics Department hosts these monthly "sharing sessions" for area high school physics and physical science teachers in the six-county area served by YSU. Even though named the Youngstown Area Physics Alliance, these sessions are open to teachers from every grade level, other disciplines and other geographical areas.

Sharing Sessions are held for the benefit and interaction of all those who teach physics, physical science, and science in general. They provide an informal forum for middle and high school teachers and college faculty, both "veterans" and "rookies," to meet and share ideas and concerns. Pre-service teachers and secondary education students are also welcome, as are elementary teachers with a special interest in learning more about teaching selected principles of physics on their level.

Meetings are informal, eclectic, and sociable - and may feature:

  • Construction of inexpensive "make and take" demos for your classroom;
  • Discussion about what works - and what doesn't work - in teaching techniques;
  • Repair of old equipment for those "budget challenged" and instruction in their use;
  • Reports on the latest in science teaching techniques by those just back from national meetings;
  • Demonstrations that aid in concept development
The only requisite for attending is an interest in improving the teaching of science.

The Youngstown Area Physics Alliance receives generous support from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation.


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