Describes a method of network analysis that allows avoidance of Kirchoff's Laws (providing the network is symmetrical) by reduction to simple series/parallel resistances. The method can be extended to symmetrical alternating current, capacitance or inductance if corresponding theorems are used. Symmetric cubic network serves as an example. (JM)

Presents an activity that uses basketball shoes to introduce the concept of friction. Discusses setting up, friction fundamentals, and fun friction facts. (JRH)

States that science courses present modern derived knowledge to be learned and applied to exercises. Proposes looking at the process of problem solving as an exercise in the scientific method against a historical background in social context with information about personalities involved. Uses an example moving from vague concept of element to a…

Studies the role of context in students' uses of alternative conceptual models by using Newton's third law. Identifies four contextual features that are frequently used by students in their reasoning. Probes the effects of specific contextual features on student reasoning using a multiple-choice survey. (Contains 39 references.) (Author/YDS)

Explores strategies in the situation of a runner trying to evade a tackler on a football field. Enables the student to test intuitive strategies in a familiar situation using simple graphical and numerical methods or direct experimentation. (JRH)

Uses change (mostly pennies) in a one-liter plastic soda bottle to get students to practice estimation skills and creative thinking in an effort to determine the amount of money in the bottle. (MVL)

A real problem from the everyday world is presented. Students are asked to estimate the distance between two planes using a photograph taken by a passenger on one of the planes. The process used to solve the problem and possible errors encountered are discussed. (KR)

Described is how the crumpling of paper balls exhibits the concept of a topological dimension similar to fractals. The mass of the crumpled paper ball is found to be proportional to its diameter raised to a nonintegral power. (KR)

An exercise which relates particle scattering and the calculation of cross-sections to answer the following question--"Do you get wetter by walking or running through the rain?"--is described. The calculations used to answer the question are provided. (KR)

University students' answers to a "Minds on Physics" problem revealed six distinct approaches to the solution. Discusses implications for teaching and assessment. (Author/WRM)

Recommends that teachers wishing to develop the problem-solving expertise of students make concentrated and sustained efforts to develop students' knowledge base, skill base, resource base, strategy-experience base, and behavioral base. Application in a General Physics course resulted in improved problem solving performance which is partially…

Describes a study in which concept maps drawn by high school students (n=12) were evaluated using quantitative measures. Results indicate that the concept maps are useful in assessing the understanding of relationships between the concepts required for multiple step problem solving in physics. Contains 12 references. (DDR)

Argues that high school teachers have given up on trying to teach equations and mathematics to poorly prepared, inner-city, or very average students. Describes a mathematical problem-solving physics course for all types of students from average to honors. (CCM)

Physics problems presented by teachers or in textbooks are usually quantitative and offer only one solution. Suggests that getting students to solve qualitative problems and confronting them with multiple solutions can help them develop conceptual understanding and robust problem-solving strategies. (Author/ASK)

High school physics offers opportunities to use problem solving and lab practices as well as cement skills in research, technical writing, and software applications. Describes and evaluates computer software enhancing the high school physics curriculum including spreadsheets for laboratory data, all-in-one simulators, projectile motion simulators,…