Discusses determination of elliptical path of a satellite caught into orbit by the sun or earth; using microcomputer as signal generator (includes program listing); collision process; simple hysteresis loop using double beam CRO; method of demonstrating parallelogram of forces; measuring radius of electron beam curvature; and half-life of thorium…

Discusses dice model of exponential radionuclide decay; glancing and collinear perfectly elastic collisions; digital capacitance meter; use of top pan balance in physics; microcomputer calculation of gradient of straight line (includes complete Commodore PET computer program); Fresnel lenses; low-voltage radiant heater; Wheatssone's bridge used as…

Describes experiments in which a bipolar transistor is used to examine the behavior of a simple circuit. Also addresses problems in teaching the related concepts. (The experiments can be modified to incorporate devices other than bipolar transistors.) (JN)

Describes: (1) the structure of a data transmission source, carrier, and receiver; (2) a quantitative measure for the amount of data, followed by some quantitative examples of data transmission processes; (3) the concept of data current; (4) data containers; and (5) how this information can be used to structure physics courses. (JN)

Discusses: (1) the place of physics in the 11-16 curriculum; (2) the content of physics courses; (3) physics examinations; (4) Manpower Services Commission (MSC) involvement; and (5) resources and staffing concerns. Indicates that there are difficulties in recruiting/retaining adequate physics teachers and that there are inadequate physics…

Describes experiments using solid state detectors in modern physics courses. The apparatus involved is simple and inexpensive, avoiding costly electronics, and the very high efficiency of plastic detectors in particular makes them ideally suited for work with very weak radioactive sources. (Author/SK)

Presents 23 experiments, activities, field projects and computer programs in the biological and physical sciences. Instructional procedures, experimental designs, materials, and background information are suggested. Topics include fluid mechanics, electricity, crystals, arthropods, limpets, acid neutralization, and software evaluation. (ML)

Discusses an easy way of interfacing physics experiments to a microcomputer, providing information on the "analog input port" of a BBC microcomputer. Also describes a capacitor discharge experiment with suggestions for several student activities such as investigating decay curve shapes. Program listing is available from author. (DH)

Presents 26 activities, experiments, demonstrations, games, and computer programs for biology, chemistry, and physics. Background information, laboratory procedures, equipment lists, and instructional strategies are given. Topics include eye measurements, nutrition, soil test tube rack, population dynamics, angular momentum, transition metals,…

Suggests that electronics be taught using a systems approach, although this reverses the order of stages in the traditional approach by studying complete systems first. Also describes the hardware needed to implement a systems approach and the four stages of a course in which the equipment is used. (JN)

Discusses issues related to examination questions which begin by asking students to "Describe an experiment to..." Indicates that this strategy is useful when focusing on important quantities/phenomena or "celebrated" experiments and that examining boards should not request students to describe experiments which verify or…

Demonstrations, procedures, games, teaching suggestions and information on a variety of physics topics are presented, including hydraulic rams, units and formulae, static electric motors, a computer graphics program, diffraction, adaptation of a basic meter, photoelasticity, photo-diodes, radioactive decay, and analog-digital conversions. (DC)

Describes equipment, activities, and experiments useful in physics instruction, including among others, a list of articles relating to physics topics, computer interface that makes a computer cost effective, use of a guitar in vibrating string experiments, and photoelectric aids to the measurement of distance, speed, velocity, and acceleration.…

Outlines three projects which have been designed for teaching electronics to ages 11-13, 13-16, and 16-18. Aims, content, approach, and equipment are discussed with guidelines for teacher use. Indicates that work with microprocessors (alongside Nuffield style analogue work) should help digital electronics receive greater emphasis in secondary…

Discusses the process of problem solving, stressing the iterative nature of the process and the importance of communication (explaining problems to others). Provides examples of physics/physical sciences problems useful in problem-solving competitions. Also provides examples of problems to be solved in school over several weeks. Lists of materials…