Describes and examines the effects of the eight-week Summer Science Training Program at the University of Iowa. There was no significant differences between students who had completed high school physics and those who had not on the final course examination, course grade, and attitudes toward physics. (Author/YP)

The Dallas Science Place contains 55 interactive displays on observable phenomena, organized into 7 topic areas: motion, waves, matter, electromagnetism, energy, change, and entropy. Attempts were made to keep the exhibits' forms elemental, so that the underlying physical phenomena could be readily observed and experienced. (JDD)

Describes a physics demonstration show where students conduct demonstrations for the rest of the school. By demonstrating a concept, students are forced to learn that concept in depth. Appendix includes a physics demonstrations resource list. (JRH)

The Institute in Physical Science was developed to address the need for updated information and training in physics, chemistry, and technology among teachers of physical science. Five major objectives addressed were to: (1) improve physical science teachers' understanding of fundamental concepts in physics and chemistry; (2) provide physical…

The Summer Institute in Science was developed to address the need for updated information and training in physics, chemistry, and technology among elementary and secondary teachers. Three major objectives addressed were to: (1) improve teachers' understanding of basic concepts in the subject field; (2) provide teachers with training in the use of…

Describes a college-sponsored physics competition which benefits both high school physics teachers and students. The competition (a paper/pencil examination) is open to students of all abilities and provides an opportunity for teachers to meet and exchange ideas on a yearly basis. (JN)

Described are several physics activities developed by a high school: research corner, exploring an invention, construction projects, archives report and archives update, short term research and design projects, essay contest, and special projects. (YP)

Describes a science project, Interactive Space Physics Ionosphere Radio Experiments (INSPIRE), that allows students to work with physicists to address unanswered questions about the physics of space. (ZWH)

The Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park is the setting for a one-day laboratory exercise and evaluation of high school students' understanding of physics. The concepts and general techniques measured and the park's resources are discussed. Sample student responses are included. (JN)

The Advanced Physics Project for Independent Learning (Appil) consists of 10 units based on three themes, namely, materials, forces and fields, and waves. Discusses the content and aims of the project, its emphasis on student-centered learning, managerial advantages, characteristics of the teacher's role, resource implications, and other topics.…

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 the approach and programming emphasis of the National University of Distance Education (UNED). Specifically explains the university's summer residential workshops that focused on basic physics phenomena that were laboratory oriented. Includes examples of the course requirements and samples of the participants' opinions about the course.…

Twenty secondary physics teachers from southeast Michigan participated in a National Science Foundation Honors workshop on excellence in physics teaching. Presented are the classroom practices, important resources, and roles for good programs they identified and their recommendations for improving student/counselor/administrator perceptions of…

Evaluated is a course for twelfth graders to demonstrate a variety of aspects of applied science. The basic structure and content of the course are described. The evaluation results including achievement, interest/difficulty with other courses, lateral transfer, and attitudes are reported. Examples of problems and application questionnaire are…

This article summarizes the examining syllabuses of the 1988 General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Physics papers. Some of the errors and uncertainties of the GCSE are discussed with examples. Lists five references. (YP)