Structure of physics can be treated as an instructional variable by teachers who make the choices: defined versus derived concepts, operational versus paraphrase definitions, and theoretical versus empirical relationships. Operational definitions and empirical relationships are recommended for beginning students; paraphrase definitions and…

Describes a systematic investigation of the understanding of the concept of acceleration among students enrolled in a variety of introductory physics courses through individual demonstration interviews. Describes and identifies some conceptual difficulties and discusses some implications for instruction. (Author/SK)

Discusses various topics in microelectronics to aid those teaching modern electronics for the first time, including, among others, the slang name "micro," attitudes of examining boards, rapid obsolescence of electronic devices, costs, analog systems, and digital systems. (SK)

Many didactical difficulties encountered in contemporary school physics are due to an outdated philosophy of science as illustrated by the energy concept, an example of a theoretical term which cannot be defined operationally with the help of simple measurement operations. (Author/DS)

Suggests that since most newborn infants (65%) preferred to lie with their heads turned to the right, whereas 15% showed a distinct preference for the left, right head-orientation preference may contribute to the early development of right-handedness. (Author/SK)

Described is an experiment designed to provide an experimental basis for a unifying point of view (utilizing theoretical framework and chemistry laboratory experiments) for physical chemistry students. Three experiments are described: phase equilibrium, chemical equilibrium, and a test of the third law of thermodynamics. (Author/DS)

Described is the history of the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), Melborne, Florida. FIT offers 45 undergraduate degree programs, 16 masters degree programs and seven doctoral degree programs in the areas of science and engineering, management, humanities, psychology, aeronautics, applied technology, marine technology, and medical research.…

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)

This is a 20-page directory of aviation majors and curricula offered by colleges and universities within the United States. The schools are organized alphabetically on a state-by-state basis, within each broad heading of the particular discipline. (SA)

Describes a new apparatus for Drosophila habitats which has the advantage of leaving pupae and adult flies undisturbed while being able to renew or move the media and larvae at will. (CS)

Described are the effects of government intervention in Uruguay's universities, particularly on science teaching and research institutions. Effects include not only dismissal of science teachers and researchers, but also the disappearance of several prominent scientists. The results of these actions include lowered scientific productivity and loss…

Discusses Lick Observatory's (University of California) early graduate students and graduate program in astronomy. The history of the Lick Observatory and famous astronomy professors and astronomers associated with the Lick Observatory are also discussed. (DS)

This is a review of important news stories of 1980 as reported in the pages of "Science News." References are divided into specific science areas and are listed after each item referring to the volume and page number in which the main article on the subject appeared in "Science News." (DS)

The authors provide criticisms of the teaching of organic chemistry in the United States. They suggest that changes be made in the method of presentation of the material, with topics introduced early in the course providing framework for subsequent material. (Author/SA)

Describes an introductory physics laboratory course, used at the University of California in Berkeley, designed to teach students some general intellectual skills. Results of the course evaluation are also discussed. (HM)