Presents a demonstration of kinematics principles that stresses conceptual analysis over equation manipulation. Aims at focusing students' attention on concepts by using comparative problems, allowing students to predict the outcome of the demonstration and explain the reasoning behind their predictions, and extending the context in which the…

Describes a project that helps students integrate biological concepts using both creativity and higher-order problem-solving skills. Involves students playing the roles of junior scientists aboard a starship in orbit around a class M planet and using a description of habitats, seasonal details, and a surface map of prominent geographic features to…

Presents an application of fundamental principles of mechanics for an isolated system in solving problems related to rocket velocity and exhaust elements. (JRH)

Discusses research into problem-solving skills that have caused the theoretical methods of teaching and learning problem solving to evolve rapidly. Presents issues and questions that still need to be explored. (PR)

Derives the current in the wire joining two points when n points are joined two by two by wires of equal resistance, and two of them are connected to the electrodes of a battery of electromotive force E and resistance R. (YP)

Describes the construction and use of an electrooptic apparatus that can be incorporated into the classroom to test liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and introduce students to experiments of an applied physics nature with very practical implications. Presents experiments that give students hands-on experience with technologies of current interest to…

This book of activities uses problem solving to help students develop the basic science process skills of observing, predicting, designing/experimenting, eliminating, and drawing conclusions. The activities are divided into two sections: Dynamo Demos and Creative Challenges. The teacher-led Dynamo Demos help students to develop science process…

This book of activities uses problem solving to help students develop the basic science process skills of observing, predicting, designing/experimenting, eliminating, and drawing conclusions. The activities are divided into two sections: Dynamo Demos and Creative Challenges. The teacher-led Dynamo Demos help students to develop science process…

Examines the utility of the ancient Chinese concept of Tai-chi as a model for interpreting complex contemporary issues in science education. Describes the model and suggests how it can be useful in understanding scientific phenomena and in guiding instruction. (ML)

Describes 17 situations in physics which require students to write computer programs to solve. All the projects are general in nature and require students to have a thorough conceptual understanding of the content to apply the algorithm needed to solve the specific type of problem illustrated. (JN)

Presents responses to an earlier report concerning a procedure for the derivation of the Ideal Gas Law from Charles', Boyle's, and other gas laws. Logic errors and solutions that work are discussed. (CS)

Considers what college students think reasoning about physics involves. Discusses whether it is possible to identify students' general conceptions of physics and the effects of a course on students' concepts. Data indicated that students' understandings had an effect on problem solving, qualitative problems, and misconceptions. (YP)

Presents a few examples of not-so-traditional problems that can be very helpful in teaching some particular concepts or approaches in physics. Problem sets include vector addition and vector components, reference frames, and choosing the right approximations. (JRH)

Incorporates some ideas from a book by Galileo into a problem-solving format that challenges students. (LS)