Create a light and sound show to entertain friends. Design an improved safety device for a car. Develop a 2-3 minute voice-over for a sports clip explaining the physics involved in the sport. Modify the design of a roller coaster to meet the needs of a specific group of riders. Design an appliance package for a family limited by the power and…

Physics First--a movement to invert the traditional science course sequence to teach physics at the ninth-grade level--is gaining interest. However, there is limited literature exploring how to support teachers in successfully implementing Physics First. To address this, a professional development (PD) program supporting a cadre of teacher-leaders…

Discusses the existing design of some undergraduate physics courses, and outlines the general aims which will give the development of a physics curriculum a definite direction and approach. (GA)

Describes the reordering of a ninth-grade physics course that aimed at making core concepts clear to the students while at the same time developing students' skills and depth of understanding. Discusses its benefits and associated problems. (JRH)

Describes the Project Physics curriculum, including its origins, content and structure, current level of use, and philosophy of its approach. (MLH)

A short description of the Physics Computer Development Project at the University of California, Irvine, concerned with effective ways of using computers in the teaching environment. (Author)

Reports on a survey which was undertaken to provide an overview of the biology content of a selection of General Certificate of Secondary Education science syllabuses. Lists syllabuses examined and the four themes in terms of which they were analyzed. Concludes that each contained a substantial biology component. (RT)

As appendices to the final report on Project Physics (SE 015 500), this volume includes parts of the original documents concerning the project development. Articles published in the "Physics Teacher" are included in reprint form. Evaluation and research papers along with related materials issued in other publications are grouped into…

Argues for the inclusion of additional science history in the Nuffield physics curriculum. (SL)

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 efforts aimed at reforming physics courses for first-year engineering and science students at Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey. Discusses the establishment and working of the Physics Learning Center (PLC) and its impact on the retention and performance of students. (JRH)

Provides an explanation and background material for the use of time lines to predict positions of five planets. (DS)

Presents an interview with Fletcher G. Watson, best known to physics teachers as codirector of Harvard Project Physics. Dr. Watson speaks of his career as a science educator, history of science, Piaget, state of science education in the United States, and curriculum projects, among other topics. (SK)

Curriculum planning, even in a developed country, is not without problems. Curriculum planners in developing countries are faced with dilemmas at almost every level of decision making. The revision of the Malaysian physics curriculum is detailed in this article. (PB)

Described is a Dutch thematics physics curriculum recently developed for the average academic secondary student. Discussed are the structure, contents of units, and systematic units of the curriculum. (CW)