Researchers and practitioners alike express concerns about the conceptual difficulties associated with the concepts of momentum and kinetic energy currently taught in school physics. This article presents an in-depth analysis of the treatment given to them in 44 published textbooks written for UK secondary school certificate courses. This is set…

A professor of physics discusses ideas on how to use physics to improve your ping-pong game. Describes how basic physics was used to analyze a simple ball-paddle collision problem and provide students with insight on the application of physics to a fun and real life situation. (ZWH)

Explores strategies in the situation of a runner trying to evade a tackler on a football field. Enables the student to test intuitive strategies in a familiar situation using simple graphical and numerical methods or direct experimentation. (JRH)

Describes a system of interactive astronomy whereby nonscience students are able to acquire their own images from a room remotely linked to a telescope. Briefly discusses some applications of Charge-Coupled Device cameras (CCDs) in teaching free fall, projectile motion, and the motion of the pendulum. (JRH)

Shows that the conventional wisdom about the extreme inaccuracy of stopwatch measurements during the acceleration and free fall of objects is mistaken. (ZWH)

This teacher's guide is based on "DragonflyTV" investigations which focus on real kids doing inquiry-based science investigations. Activities include: (1) "Investigation To Explore Skateboards"; (2) "Investigations To Explore Otters"; and (3) "Investigations To Explore Waterslides." (YDS)

Presents a three-dimensional analysis of the relative speed before and after a two-body elastic collision, based on the concept of a Galilean invariant. (JRH)

Describes experiments simulating the mechanics of the human elbow and back. (SL)

Presents three motion experiments that use magnetic switches for marking position and time involving an inclined plane, an air track, and sprinting. (JRH)

Describes a method for making a Wilberforce pendulum in which a mass at the end of a spring can vibrate up and down and also rotate about an axis collinear with the spring. Cost of production is around $15. (MVL)

Applies the concepts of kinematics and conservation of mechanical energy to calculate the time needed to reach a certain point along semicircular and parabolic paths. Presents numerical calculations for the critical speed thresholds for the paths of semicircular and parabolic curves. (JRH)

Discusses the physics of the "Ollie," a skateboard jump in which the skateboarder does not hold on to the board. The motion is described through three graphs that illustrate the positions of the tail of the skateboard, the center of mass, and the nose of the skateboard during a jump. (MDH)

One dilemma of constructivist modes of instruction, which involve engaging students in discussions concerning a range of possible explanations for a given phenomenon, is that such an approach may confuse students who believe that absolute scientific truth exists. Historical dialogues in which various perspectives are aired by key scientists of the…

A physicist's view of the problems involved in kicking a football is described through the principles of projectile motion and aerodynamics. Sample equations, statistical summaries of kickoffs and punts, and calculation of launch parameters are presented along with discussion to clarify concepts of physics illustrated by kicking a football. (JN)