Teaching modern physics in high school is of increasingly importance as it can offer students a more realistic and updated vision of the world, and can provide an opportunity to understand the most recent scientific discoveries. In this context, general relativity (GR) occupies a prominent place, since it is related to astonishing scientific…

Examines the issue of learning physics content through real-life contexts. Considers two projects--one from the United Kingdom, the other from Australia--that use a context-based learning approach. (Author/CCM)

We present a simple activity in which students measure the resolving power of their eyes. The approach can be used at various levels of sophistication with students having a wide variety of skills and scientific training. We discuss our experiences using this activity with a class of non-science majors as well as with a group of pre-engineering…

Suggests an application basis for a combined science and technology education. Describes the development of ideas and materials for a course in "physics from its applications and use." Gives a sample activity from the course. Evaluates the program in terms of its requirements and directions. (CW)