Describes differences between engineers' and physicists' views of free-body diagrams (FBD). (PR)

Reports results of two studies using physics materials to determine the parameters of pictorial analogies in combination with expository text. Shows that pictorial analogies can improve learning significantly if they are designed properly and used together with the text. Concludes that the analogies should have high structural similarity between…

Described is a baton that consists of an unbreakable transparent tube with three inserted light-emitting diodes (LED) and terminal impact buffers that hold batteries and counterweights. The concepts of projectile motion and parabolic paths can be shown by analyzing the path of a thrown baton. (KR)

Two computer-generated star charts that can be used as overlay transparencies to show an expanding universe are presented. Directions on how to use the star charts to determine the Hubble constant and the age of the universe are provided. (KR)

Discusses the laboratory portion of a beginning noncalculus physics course that uses concrete examples of abstract concepts. Describes the use of coffee cans to explain oscillations and plastic darts to illustrate collisions. (MLH)

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)

Presents two demonstrations using the overhead projector: (1) describes how to build a projecting voltmeter and presents uses for the classroom; and (2) investigates the color of fluorescent solutions by studying the absorption and transmission of light through the solutions. (MVL)

Describes two demonstrations designed to help chemistry students visualize certain chemical properties. One experiment uses balloons to illustrate the behavior of gases under varying temperatures and pressures. The other uses a makeshift pea shooter and a commercial model to demonstrate atomic structure and the behavior of high-speed particles.…

Discusses some of the difficulties in the measurement of pressure, including the use of open-ended and closed-ended manometers. Suggests the use of an analogy of a child's seesaw in teaching about manometers. Includes diagrams showing how various positions and weights on a seesaw compare with different pressure measurements. (TW)

Described are three chemistry demonstrations: (1) a simple qualitative technique for taste pattern recognition in structure-activity relationships; (2) a microscale study of gaseous diffusion using bleach, HCl, ammonia, and phenolphthalein; and (3) the rotation of polarized light by stereoisomers of limonene. (MVL)