Physics
Instructor Captures
Metroplex 'Tech Titan' Award
August 25, 2006
 David
Carroll, Plano West Senior High School physics department chair,
has been honored by the Metroplex Technology Business Council as
a “Tech Titan” for his innovative ideas and strategies
leading to changes in the physics program in Plano ISD.
Mr.
Carroll was recognized at the Council’s 6th Annual Tech Titans
Gala, attended by 1,500 Dallas-area business and technology leaders
on
August 18 at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas. Capturing
the first-time Titan of the Future Award/High School Pilot Program,
he was joined
on stage by seven Plano ISD colleagues
who were also recognized
as finalists for the award.
“Plano
has a great physics curriculum because of the willingness of our
teachers to share their ideas and care about students,” said Mr. Carroll,
who led the effort to develop the curriculum. "My approach is to
de-mystify physics for my students: to take the fear out of it, so that they
can be successful. Physics is not obscure or something in the past. It’s
everywhere.”
Teaching
approximately 50 Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement
students, he said about physics: “Collecting
data, analyzing something and coming to a conclusion disciplines your mind
to think logically. You can apply these skills to business and
to all aspects of
your life.” His teaching method involves “guided inquiry” for
students with a “labs first” emphasis.
This
technology innovator holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and mathematics
and a master’s degree in education through Plano ISD’s Master’s
Degree Program. A 1985 graduate of Plano Senior High School, Mr. Carroll
collaborates daily with physics teachers at Plano West who include a few
of his former Plano
Senior High teachers.
He
and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of nearly five-year-old
triplets Ian, Jackie and Kelsey, who share a September 7 birthday
with their dad.
Tech Titan High School Program Finalists
- Amber
Branch - Williams Math
- Donna Costello - PSHS Math
- Jayne Fischer - Jasper Math/Science
- Doris Kottwitz - Plano
East Math
- Francie Mikulas - Vines Math
- Teresa Reeves - Clark Science
- Karen Stephens - Shepton Science
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