Presents transcripts of freshmen engineering majors solving elementary physics problems to examine some limitations of formula-centered approaches to problem solving. Although students use formulas successfully, the qualitative conception of the underlying physical situation is weak. Results from written tests indicate that this phenomenon may be…

Discusses the meaning of symmetry of the laws of physics and symmetry of the universe and the connection between symmetries and asymmetries of the laws of physics and those of the universe. An explanation of Hamilton's principle is offered. The material is suitable for informal discussions with students. (Author/SK)

Discusses the deficiencies of presenting the theme of energy in the current West German school textbooks. The article emphasizes the structural importance of entropy for the understanding of energy and suggests how the physics teacher can contribute to the development of an appropriate attitude toward the energy crisis. (HM)

Assesses the level of intellectual development in proportional, combinatorial, and correlational reasoning and the ability to control variables in beginning sophomore students (N=207) at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Compares this level with their performance on achievement tests in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. (CS)

Reports results supporting the theoretical rationale that there are certain cognitive skills, including data interpretation, identification of assumptions and hypotheses, and controlling of variables, that appear to be necessary for successful understanding of the heterotroph hypothesis, as presented in the BSCS Blue Version. Implications for…

Discusses the oscillatory motion of a mass on a spiral (nonhelical) spring, and calculates the lowest eigenfrequency and the associated effective spring mass for a range of values of the attached mass. Analytic and numerical comparisons are made to the helical spring problem. (HM)

Describes an undergraduate experiment which uses derivative spectroscopy to investigate the validity of the Planck function appearing in the blackbody radiation law. These measurements allow a critical examination of this function and also serve as an introduction to derivative spectroscopy techniques. (Author/HM)

Two positions are given related to the teaching of thermodynamics to freshmen college students. Arguments include why it should be taught and what the goals should be, as well as why it should not be included in the freshmen coursework and where it should be taught. (SA)

An outline is given for a lesson on gases for high school students. Solutions are given; however, requests are made for alternative solutions. (SA)

The experiment described is intended to illustrate the intermolecular phenomena involved in association colloids. These are normal and inverse micelles and lyotropic liquid crystals. Solubilization, microemulsion and emulsion are discussed. (Author/SA)

Some fundamental relations that were strangely presented in a recent edition of a high school physics text (Physics: Fundamentals and Frontiers) are discussed. Relations discussed include: negative acceleration, vector components, and analyzing the interaction of a spring pendulum suspended from another spring pendulum. (BT)

Discusses several questions concerning the nature of cognitive preferences and their measurement. These questions are of two types: logical, pertaining to matters of principles; and methodological, pertaining to matters of procedures. (HM)

Describes a study unit on the Titius-Bode Law of planetary distances designed to be used in undergraduate astronomy courses. The format of the guide is based on a Piagetian learning cycle of exploration, conceptualization, and application. (HM)

Discusses various kinds of symbiosis including commensalism, protocooperation, mutualism. Examples are given of each, and emphasis is on the interdependence of living things. (SA)

Discusses pollution problems which arise from the use of internal combustion (IC) engines in the United Kingdom (UK). The IC engine exhaust emissions, controlling IC engine pollution in the UK, and some future developments are also included. (HM)