Presents a physics course for social scientists. Physics problems are presented within the context of several urban and environmental case studies. The problems considered include transportation, air pollution, thermal pollution of water, and scarcity of resources. (LS)

Describes two laboratory courses in electronics designed for nonscience students. The courses require no prerequisites in physics or in mathematics, and emphasis is put on the laboratory aspect of electronics, such as building and testing various electronic circuits. (GA)

Describes a self-paced, mastery-oriented introductory physics course offered at Cornell University which incorporates aspects of audio-tutorial instruction and the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). (SL)

Discusses how holography can be used as part of undergraduate physics laboratories. The authors propose a single beam technique of holography, which will reduce the recording scheme as well as relax the isolation requirements. (HM)

Presents the philosophy and mechanics of a professionally oriented astronomy laboratory for nonscience majors. Design of the laboratory, description of the exercises, and the results of using this approach at the University of Kansas are also described. (HM)

Describes an undergraduate course, The Colonization of Space, which introduces nonscience majors at the University of North Florida to current topics in the exploration, industrialization, and colonization of space. References to the audiovisual resources and literature are also included. (HM)

Describes the implementation and impact of a two-semester mastery-oriented astrophysics sequence for upper-level physics/astrophysics majors designed to handle flexibly a wide range of student backgrounds. A Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) format was used fostering frequent student-instructor interaction and role-modeling behavior in…

Discusses a science fiction (SF) course conducted twice at Heidelberg College with lists of readings and supplementary aids presented. Indicates that the SF offerings are generally classified into three types and have the value of stimulating students' interests in science and its impact on civilization. (CC)

Describes a single introductory course for both nonscience and physics majors, emphasizing wave aspects of selected physics phenomena rather than traditional Newtonian mechanics. Modes of presentation, consistent with the notion of a spiral syllabus, are explained with reference to the cognitive and educational theories of Bruner and Piaget.…

Describes a quantitative hands-on approach for teaching science to elementary school teachers. Program materials have been presented to students in undergraduate elementary teacher education and to teachers in the Chicago metropolitan area. The program has resulted in measured improvement in science skills of elementary school children. (Author/SK)