Explores the basic physical laws of the juggling activity. Derives some equations involving height, angle, time, and distance for common juggling objects. Describes the relationships among height, length, mass, number of clubs, number of spins, angular velocity, time, and angle in club juggling. (YP)

The Moire pattern is the shimmering pattern which looks like an odd interference pattern in window screens or folds of nylon shower curtain. Illustrates some of the ways the effect may be used, including demonstration of wave interference, detection of small displacement, persistence of vision, contour measurement, beats, and optical clearness.…

Considers what college students think reasoning about physics involves. Discusses whether it is possible to identify students' general conceptions of physics and the effects of a course on students' concepts. Data indicated that students' understandings had an effect on problem solving, qualitative problems, and misconceptions. (YP)

The misconceptions related to the concepts of force and acceleration among college students are explored. Misconceptions are identified and their occurrence among a large percentage of students are observed. Provided are some implications for physics teaching and an eight-item test. (Author/YP)

Describes a high school physics teaching sequence including more modern topics. The first quarter covers cosmology, astronomy, optics, wave mechanics, relativity, gravity, and quantum theory. The second quarter covers classical mechanics. The third quarter covers electromagnetism and electronics. The fourth quarter consists of thermodynamics and…

Described is the subject of biological scaling for physics teachers including examples and in-depth reading. Topics are elements of scaling, terminal velocities, Lilliputian and Brobdingnagian, brain evolution, dolphin echolocation, surface tension, gravity change, food and oxygen, and seeing. Ten references on physics and size, and ten questions…

Describes a demonstration of Coriolis acceleration. Discusses two different meanings of "Coriolis" and two causes of Coriolis acceleration. Gives a set-up method of the demonstration apparatus by using a rotary disk with rubber tubing for tap water, switches, lamps, battery, and counterweight. Provides two pictures with operating method.…

Describes an experiment for determining the refractive index. Discusses the experiment procedure and mathematical expression for calculating the index. Provides two geometrical diagrams and a graph for determining the index with a typical data. (YP)

Discusses the use of logarithm and reciprocal graphs in the college physics classroom. Provides examples, such as electrical conductivity, reliability function in the Weibull model, and the Clausius-Clapeyron equation for latent heat of vaporation. Shows graphs with weighting of points. (YP)

This paper explores the nature of the contribution that can be made to administrative theory by recent developments in the philosophy of science and the emerging new views of science: notably, the arguments of Richard Bates and Thomas Greenfield. These emerging views of science can sustain a science of administration that escapes their major…

Suggests caregivers can help children learn about the concept of light using simple conversation and activities. Offers directions for activities in which children can consider the following questions about light: where does light come from?; can you see without light?; what blocks light?; how does light travel?; can you make a shadow?; and does…

Presents activities based on readings from ChemEcology that incorporate student writing with thinking skills as part of a reading/writing portfolio. Helps students to develop a broader understanding of chemistry, the chemical industry, and the environment. (JRH)

Describes a five-step plan of action, formulated by students, to rebuild a pond ecosystem. Steps include cement/rocks, soil/sand, water, producers (autotrophs), and consumers (heterotrophs). (JRH)

Presents an integrated approach that helps students understand difficult science concepts. Involves counteracting children's confusion over certain concepts, confronting children's misconceptions through inquiry, and presenting a multitude of experiences that challenge children's erroneous beliefs. Presents an example of applying this approach to…

The most general conclusion from analyzing 702 high school students' answers to questionnaires is that many students confuse different major environmental problems, particularly global warming and ozone-layer depletion. There is also a student linking of radioactive contamination, acid rain, and biodiversity reduction. (PR)