This section of the journal includes several short notes on science activities and materials for secondary schools. Activities and materials are included that relate to biology, microbiology, microcomputers, chemistry, and physics. (RH)

Describes an apparatus that uses a microcomputer as a timing device in which the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) is measured. Diagrams of a circuit for timing measurements and a flow chart of a program that measures COR are provided. A list of COR for some common objects is also included. (CS)

Microcomputers are commonly interfaced to external devices in scientific, industrial, and consumer settings for data acquisition and for control. The general problem under consideration is the task of taking measurements of some continuous phenomenon, transforming them into digital form, and storing the data in the microcomputer for later use.…

Describes three experiments: (1) "Liquid Flow from Orifices"; (2) "Microcomputer-Controlled Investigation of Battery Discharge and Recovery"; and (3) "Measurement of the Speed of Sound." Drawings and diagrams accompany each. (RT)

Describes computer measurement of capacitor charge decay, change of fringe width with color, computer simulation of color mixing, Doppler effect/carrier waves, gravitational waves, microwave apparatus, computer simulation of Brownian motion, search coils and problems with the teaching of the relationships of velocity, frequency, and wavelength in…

Describes the methods and materials used to obtain satellite pictures from weather satellites. Discusses possible physics lessons which can be done using this equipment including orbital mechanics, and how the satellite works. (CW)

This document reports a project, entitled Workshop Physics, that involved the development and testing of introductory physics materials to enable instructors to abandon the traditional separation of lecture and laboratory in favor of a workshop format. The Workshop Physics courses emphasize cognitive development enhanced by direct experience and…

Discusses determination of elliptical path of a satellite caught into orbit by the sun or earth; using microcomputer as signal generator (includes program listing); collision process; simple hysteresis loop using double beam CRO; method of demonstrating parallelogram of forces; measuring radius of electron beam curvature; and half-life of thorium…

Discusses dice model of exponential radionuclide decay; glancing and collinear perfectly elastic collisions; digital capacitance meter; use of top pan balance in physics; microcomputer calculation of gradient of straight line (includes complete Commodore PET computer program); Fresnel lenses; low-voltage radiant heater; Wheatssone's bridge used as…

Describes the implementation of a trajectory-plotting program for a microcomputer; shows how it may be used to demonstrate the focusing effect of a simple electrostatic lens. The computer program is listed and diagrams are included that show comparisons of trajectories of negative charges in the vicinity of positive charges. (TW)

Provides explanations of 15 experiments, laboratory activities, demonstrations, and lessons for use in instruction. Includes information on Daphnia, wild garlic, crystals, gas chromatographs, bleaches, alcohols, reactivity series, chemistry formula, electronic keyboards and waveforms, interference and diffraction gravity, Moire fringe patterns,…

Presented is the use of a microprocessor for mechanics experiments. Described are the experimental set-ups, experimental method, and conclusions. Includes several diagrams and pictures. (YP)

Concentrates on describing the implementation of the hardware systems based on the BBC microcomputer. Describes the electronic systems used to amplify the signals from the detector and to convert the signal to digital format. Discusses the software that must be used and the system performance. (CW)

Describes a computer simulation of the Compton effect designed to lead students to discover (1) the relationship of the electron's final kinetic energy to its angle of scattering and (2) the relationship between the scattering angles of the outgoing electron and photon. (MDH)

Outlines a variety of laboratory procedures, demonstrations, and classroom materials including a technique for estimating speed of electromagnetic waves; a support for multipin components when soldering; use of dynometer to measure force; bending light; using a microcomputer to measure and produce voltage; force-distance curves; and two games. (DS)