Presents a course, Physics and Time, that centers on a few topics that students with limited mathematics training and no previous science can explore in depth. Discusses concepts of time, measuring time, arrows of time, and linearity versus nonlinearity. (JRH)

Discusses a survey sent to 502 institutions who have a one-year, non-calculus physics courses. The survey return rate was 50%. Comments on survey results concerning enrollment, reasons for changing textbooks, the top nine textbooks being used, and laboratory manuals. (MVL)

Describes the Cosmology Distinction Course for gifted students completing their Higher School Certificate, which seeks to provide a challenging and stimulating broadly based one-year course that goes beyond the normal confines of traditional matriculation subjects. Presents a course outline, details on assessment, and reflections upon the first…

Discusses methods for addressing at-risk factors in introductory physics and how they can be implemented. Offers recommendations for creating an effective program within the structure of a research university. (MM)

Discusses an introductory physics course which focuses on the practical applications of physics concepts within a three-semester program of physical therapy. Presents an overview and lists the 21 laboratory experiments and their corresponding lecture concepts. (MVL)

Argues that high school teachers have given up on trying to teach equations and mathematics to poorly prepared, inner-city, or very average students. Describes a mathematical problem-solving physics course for all types of students from average to honors. (CCM)

Introduces the development of the interdisciplinary course The Atomic Era which features a unique combination of physics, sociology, and German studies taught jointly by a physicist, a sociologist and a germanist. Addresses and analyzes the objectives of the course, laboratories and demonstrations, instructional goals, assignments, organization,…

The abilities to understand medical technology, to evaluate new devices and procedures, and to assess their effectiveness, reliability, costs, and risks in comparison with existing methods are discussed. A course in clinical biophysics offered at the State University of New York at Buffalo is described. (Author/MLW)

Describes a course based on the scientific approach to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Explores the biological and technological aspects of the search and the social implications of possible contact. (Author/CCM)

After publication in 1982 of the Royal Society report "Science Education 11-18 in England and Wales," the Physics Education Joint Committee of the Royal Society and Institute of Physics was established. A working party of this Joint Committee has now produced this reduced-content 16+ syllabus in physics. The main intention of the working…

Provides an account of the instruction of university-level introductory physics courses using a framework characterized by curiosity-driven inquiry in science and science teaching. Describes the role of the instructor as providing students with the incentive to learn science through their pursuit of personally meaningful questions. Contains 25…

The major program components of the Physics 30 curriculum are outlined in this document. These key elements include: (1) process skills; (2) psychomotor skills; (3) attitudes; and (4) concepts (subject matter). Each of the components has been assigned an emphasis rating (expressed in a percentage) and a priority rating (designated by a ranking of…

A description of the physics 3204 course in Newfoundland and Labrador is provided. The description includes: (1) statement of purpose, including general objectives of science education; (2) a list of six course objectives; (3) course content for units on sound, light, optical instruments, electrostatics, current electricity, Michael Faraday and…

Describes the reordering of a ninth-grade physics course that aimed at making core concepts clear to the students while at the same time developing students' skills and depth of understanding. Discusses its benefits and associated problems. (JRH)

Describes a successful program at Syracuse University where university physics faculty present their research to the students on a level appropriate for a general audience. Discusses why it was done, how it was done, survey results, and general observations. (MVL)