Investigates the effect of explicit problem-solving instruction on high school students' (N=145) conceptual understanding of physics. Findings indicate that the explicit strategy improved the quality and completeness of students' physics representations more than the textbook strategy. No difference was found between the strategies on match of…

Explains how the moon provides information about the evolution of the solar system and offers scope for physics-based investigations. Uses statistical analysis of real scientific data with which students can predict the diameter and depth of impact craters then compare them with data gathered in institutions or laboratories. (Author/YDS)

Introduces students to problem solving strategies in the form of step-by-step guides to follow in problem solving practice. Assumes that students could pinpoint the difficulty specifically using this guide, which would result in positive effects on students' recognition and expression of their own questions. Uses traditional and worksheet-based…

Presents a study that investigates participating (n=70) teachers and (n=940) students' perceptions of physics. Reports that students have the most difficulty with magnetism but the most interest in electricity, optics, and motion. Discusses the possibilities for making physics more attractive to students. (YDS)

Integrates story telling into a science activity on the density of liquids in order to increase student interest. Shows the relationship between mass and volume ratio and how they determine density. Includes teacher notes. (YDS)

Derives the current in the wire joining two points when n points are joined two by two by wires of equal resistance, and two of them are connected to the electrodes of a battery of electromotive force E and resistance R. (YP)

Asks whether the masses of a block of wood and a block of iron with the same weight are different. Discusses the buoyancy of air involved in the problem. (YP)

Describes the construction and use of an electrooptic apparatus that can be incorporated into the classroom to test liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and introduce students to experiments of an applied physics nature with very practical implications. Presents experiments that give students hands-on experience with technologies of current interest to…

Interviewed six first-year college students in an introductory physics course about their beliefs about physics. Characterized the students' beliefs about the structure of physics knowledge as isolated facts or a coherent system; content of physics knowledge as formulas or underlying concepts; and process of learning physics as receiving…

Provides six short story problems that are solved using common physics concepts. Includes solutions. (MVL)

Uses the context of rock climbing to discuss the science concept of friction. Presents the mathematics equations that describe the concept. Examines the physics of different rock climbing situations encountered and equipment used. A series of related problems with answers is provided. (MDH)

Describes the problem-solving behaviors of six novice subjects attempting to solve an electrostatics problem in calculus-based college physics. The level of qualitative thinking exhibited by these novices was determined. Sound procedural knowledge and problem representation were suggested as an integral part of skilled problem solving in physics.…

Discussed is how a high school physics class designed and built a human-powered hovercraft. (KR)

An activity in which students compare the sun's brightness with that of a light bulb of known luminosity (in watts) to determine the luminosity of the sun is presented. As an extension, the luminosity value that the student obtains for the sun can also be used to estimate the sun's surface temperature. (KR)

An activity in which students practice vector addition and interact with every other student in class is described. Directions for playing the game and a copy of the vector name tag needed to play the game are included. (KR)