Presents simple and inexpensive demonstrations of properties of metallic glasses. (SL)

Presents three notes on new equipment, techniques, or materials of interest to teachers of physics. (HM)

Presents an experimental method for introducing special relativity which utilizes the distinction between Doppler effects for sound and for light. (SL)

Discusses a demonstration in which the near and far focusing distances of a student volunteer are measured and his or her glasses prescription is computed. (HM)

Investigates the effects of interactive computer-based simulations presented prior to inquiry-based laboratory experiments on students' conceptual understanding of mechanics, waves/optics, and thermal physics. Uses conceptual tests to assess conceptual understandings of each topic. Indicates that the use of the simulations improved students'…

Describes the use of videotapes to introduce experiments in a first-year undergraduate physics laboratory and investigates the effects on students' attitudes and achievement. Concludes that students responded positively to the video introductions but student performance was not improved. Discusses other positive outcomes of the videos. Contains 12…

Discusses simplified experiments in which sinusoidal signals are detected when a laser beam is sent into a photodiode. (HM)

Discusses the effect of silhouetting a vertical vibrating string against a television screen. The article also reports the usefulness of the effect in tuning stringed instruments and as a possible basis for lecture demonstrations and student discussions and investigations. (HM)

Describes an experimental setup which allows the student to investigate the resonance characteristics of a vibrating plate using a small, circular steel plate clamped around its perpiphery. (HM)