Presents a new approach for the determination of the temperature coefficient of resistance of a resistor and a thermistor. Advantages include teaching students how to linearize data in order to utilize least-squares techniques, continuously taking data over desired temperature range, using up-to-date data-acquisition techniques, teaching the use…

Demonstrates what theoretical physicists make a rule using juggling. Provides the thinking process and calculating procedure. (YP)

Describes the use of a laboratory-based exam in mechanics that makes students use metersticks, stopwatches, and spring scales to examine physical situations, make some calculations to predict what will happen, and then test their predictions. Includes a description of the lab stations for the actual exam. (JRH)

Described are several physics activities developed by a high school: research corner, exploring an invention, construction projects, archives report and archives update, short term research and design projects, essay contest, and special projects. (YP)

Describes a strategy for presenting ideas of atomic physics in the laboratory portion of the course before it is introduced during a lecture in order to give students an appreciation for the concepts involved, a historical look at how the field developed, and a comprehensive review of physics concepts. Presents a worksheet for the Bohr atom…

Provides two exercises in abstract problem solving. Intended to parallel a physicist's approach to the solution of a law of nature, the activities are open ended without definite answers. (CP)

Presents an exercise that gives students a real feeling for experimental errors and demonstrates the importance of frequent repetition and averaging. (JRH)

Describes the implementation and evaluation of a nondirected student research project that aimed at acquainting students with some of the procedures used by physicists in the real world. Outlines specific project designs used by the students. (JRH)