Using the National Center of Education Statistics' Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), this report analyzes data on Native American recipients of bachelor's degrees among 16 physical science and engineering fields. Overall, Native Americans are earning physical science and engineering bachelor's degrees at lower rates than the…

Using the Sun to tell time is an ancient idea, but we can take advantage of modern technology to bring it into the 21st century for students in astronomy, physics, or physical science classes. We have employed smartphones, Google Earth, and 3D printing to find the moment of local noon at two widely separated locations. By reviewing GPS…

This paper explores final-year physical sciences preservice teachers' religious and scientific views regarding the origin of the universe and life. Data was obtained from 10 preservice teachers from individual in-depth interviews conducted at the end of the Science Method module. Their viewpoints were analyzed using coding, sorting, and…

The Earth's primary atmosphere, which was similar to that of the gas giant planets, was soon lost, and a secondary atmosphere was established by outgassing from the early Earth and from colliding debris. The composition of this atmosphere was probably similar to present-day volcanic emissions but with a tiny percentage of photochemically produced…

Sir Nevil Maskelyne is remembered by many as the main rival to clockmaker John Harrison in the famous "Longitude" affair of the 18th century. However, his contributions to science go well beyond this often misreported drama; three of his many observations and developments are considered here in the year marking the 200th anniversary of his death.…

The purpose of this activity is to model the expansion of the universe by investigating the behavior of water waves. It is designed for students in the upper grades of physics and physical science who are learning about the wave nature of light and are ready to discover such important questions about science. The article explains first the Doppler…

In this essay, the author discusses teaching science without alienating his students whom he refers to as "biblical literalists." He presents two examples of his teaching experience where he was confronted by some of his biblical-literalist students. The problem he is raising is not one of religion versus science. It is that of the biblical…

The article discusses findings of the two planetary expeditions to Venus by the United States and Russia. Atmospheric conditions and surface pressures are reported. (JG)

Provides historical description of how the universe began and includes its present status, with implications for the future. (DF)

This handbook is an adjunct to the "Laboratory Manual for Advanced Physical Science 2," and is intended to assist teachers in organizing laboratory experiences. Information for each experiment includes (1) Introduction, (2) Scheduling, (3) Time required, (4) Materials needed , (5) Precautions, (6) Laboratory hints, (7) Sample data, and…

The controversial objects, which appear to some to violate the known laws of physics, may prove to be highly condensed, rotating centers of extremely distant galaxies. (Author/DF)

Radioastronomy reveals that clouds between the stars, once believed to consist of simple atoms, contain molecules as complex as seven atoms and may be the most massive objects in our Galaxy. (Author/DF)