A recent note in this journal presented a demonstration of standing waves along a cord consisting of two parts having different material densities, showing different sized wavelengths in each part. A generalization of that experiment to a continuously varying linear mass density is to vibrate a strip of material with gradually varying width (mass…

An operational understanding of Newton's third law is often elusive for students. Typical examples of this concept are given for contact forces that are closer to the students' everyday experience. While this is a good thing in general, the reaction force can sometimes be taken for granted, and the students can miss the opportunity to really think…

When working on an oral history project, my brother recommended that I download a free audio recording and editing program called Audacity[R]. I have since discovered that it is a fantastic tool for students to visualize sound waves and to understand the meaning of amplitude, frequency, and superposition. This paper describes a collection of…

In my previous article on apparatus named after physicists and physics teachers, I discussed five relatively common pieces of apparatus from the 1875-1910 era. Now I will go back to the 18th and early-19th centuries to discuss eponymous apparatus that we are still using in lecture demonstrations. [For Part I, see EJ912907.]

Special events like science days, teacher's meetings and physics recruiting efforts require spectacular and, if possible, interactive experiments for the audience. Based on past experience with such events, we have gathered and present here a series of demonstration experiments in mechanics, optics, waves and electricity which are suitable, and…

This publication is third in a series prepared in cooperation with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), by the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education. This document focuses on the…

This publication is part of a series prepared in cooperation with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), by the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education. This document focuses on the…

Describes the process of developing an environmental education program that uses high school science students as mentors to elementary students. (MKR)

Outlines characteristics of two earth science programs selected for "Search for Excellence in Science Education" awards (SESE awards). One program features a final examination in the field, while the other program helps train parents to be good geologic observers on vacations. (DH)

Describes how to create good physics programs in small colleges. (PR)

Described are techniques and activities that seven different teachers are using in their chemistry programs. These programs were selected as winners of the 1983-84 Search for Excellence in Science Education. (DH)

The Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Development Program of the National Science Foundation supports the development of courses in all disciplines to improve the quality of undergraduate courses and curricula in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. The purpose of the program in Curriculum Development in Mathematics: Calculus and…

Writing can be seen as a tool to be manipulated by students to access, construct, and evaluate knowledge. Many students will finish six years of high school science education quite ill-equipped for the literacy demands of college. This paper highlights a genre approach to language adopted by a literacy program. (20 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes an innovative, but not revolutionary, secondary education science program that is modeled after American graduate education. Discussions include a comparison of pedagogical approaches, implementation, the teacher, facilities, and teaching strategies. (ZWH)