Describes how a planetarium was constructed on the ceiling of a traditional physics laboratory. Similarities and differences between the "poor man's" planetarium and other planetariums are noted. (JN)

Described is a series of five related microcomputer-based laboratory analysis programs that are used by students in a college calculus-based physics course. With minor modifications these programs, which are written in BASIC, could be used in most beginning undergraduate laboratory science courses. (RH)

This book presents multiple assessment formats and strategies appropriate for inquiry activities for both indoor and outdoor education. Chapters 5-8 feature examples of disciplinary assessment practices for biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. Other contents include: (1) "A Rationale for Assessment"; (2) "Developing New Assessment";…

This handbook was prepared to help science teachers, administrators, and other school staff members understand and avoid situations in which accidents might occur in the science laboratory, on field trips, or during outdoor education experiences. Suggestions contained in this publication are generally agreed upon and recommended for consideration…

Discusses how holography can be used as part of undergraduate physics laboratories. The authors propose a single beam technique of holography, which will reduce the recording scheme as well as relax the isolation requirements. (HM)

Discusses the possible dangers of the educational radioactive sources used in a college physics laboratory. The discussion is intended to increase the awareness of teachers and students. (HM)

Describes the use of a laboratory-based exam in mechanics that makes students use metersticks, stopwatches, and spring scales to examine physical situations, make some calculations to predict what will happen, and then test their predictions. Includes a description of the lab stations for the actual exam. (JRH)

Describes a performance assessment protocol that rates six goals: (1) methodology of research, (2) use of equipment, (3) accuracy in measurement, (4) application of concepts and formulas, (5) use of mathematics, and (6) completeness and clarity. Provides an example performance task evaluation sheet. (MVL)

This article describes an introductory physics laboratory program which teaches three skills: (1) the ability to make estimates and order-of-magnitude calculations, and to use these to check experimental work, (2) the ability to use qualitative and quantitative statistics, and (3) the ability to describe an experiment in one's own words.…

Defines a few major reasons for the frequent failure of laboratory instructional methods and outlines some modes of thinking that seem to promise greater effectiveness and firmer justification for maintaining the laboratory as an essential component of physics teaching. (MVL)

Describes a physics laboratory for college students, in which the students participate in a firsthand noninertial experience. The equipment and problems are described. (SA)

Traces the development of instruments used in spectrophotometry. Discusses how spectrophotometric measurements are made. Describes the color comparator, the filter photometer, and the spectrophotometer. Outlines the evolution of optical systems, including light sources, the monochromator, the photodetector, double-beam optics, and split-beam…

A description of an apparatus for demonstrating the trajectory of a charged particle, is given. A photograph of the equipment used in the demonstrations accompanies the text. (SA)

Provides information on the parts, materials, prices, dimensions, and tools needed for the construction of a telescope that can be used in high school science laboratories. Includes step-by-step directions and a diagram for assembly. (RT)

Summarizes advice from the Laboratory Safeguards Subcommittee of the Association for Science Education related to flames and heat, hazardous chemicals, electricity and dangerous voltages, and mechanical hazards. Knowledge is cited as the key to preventing accidents in physics laboratories. (DH)