The need to integrate computation into the physics curriculum has long been established: using simulations and computational modeling can enhance students' conceptual understanding, and the computational skills students acquire are both useful and necessary in their careers. However, making changes to an established physics course is a challenge…

The idea of teaching physics to ninth-graders, known as "Physics First," has become more and more popular among physics educators in this country. However, introducing ninth-grade physics has been an uphill battle; such a change has a major impact on the students, parents, teachers, and the school administration. Switching to Physics First affects…

Discusses a high school physics course in which physics is developed from something students have seen or experienced rather than starting with physics and applying it to a topic. Instructions for obtaining a sample unit and course outline are provided. (Author/JN)

Describes a scheme for teaching physics in secondary schools. Included is a brief description of the scheme as it was tested in a Yugoslavian secondary school. (SA)

Suggests criteria for constructing a "basic" physics program based on such premises as limited class time, time and practice needed for skill development/understanding structuring of subject matter, and choices of content and approach. Long-range objectives related to the list of premises are discussed. (SK)

Describes the status of teaching physics at Xaverian High School, Brooklyn, New York. The enrollment of students in physics, instructional materials, laboratory activities, and coordination between physics and mathematics are described. (HM)

Reports results of a 1983 national survey which determined the time devoted to teaching major physics content areas; subtopics in each area; equipment students saw and used; principle textbook used; and school/physics enrollments. Indicates that the data obtained can be used to establish guidelines in developing the Physics Achievement Test. (JN)

Discusses the emergence of chaos as a major scientific subject and its place in historical, scientific, and technological context. Three sections provide (1) an overview of the scientific paradigm; (2) a review of the ideology of classical mechanics; and (3) examples of classical systems behaving in peculiar, nonintuitive manners. (MDH)

Discusses a course proposal which concentrates on fewer topics and covering the topics in greater depth. Proposes a sequence in which each topic is introduced phenomenologically, the theory is developed, and the applications are discussed. Uses optics as an example. Lists some disadvantages and advantages of the proposed topical organization. (YP)

Describes the development of a two-week National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded course at the Virginia Military Institute to promote the lecture demonstration technique. (SK)