When studying wave interference, one often wants to know the difference in path length for two waves arriving at a common point P but coming from adjacent sources. For example, in many contexts interference maxima occur where this path-length difference is an integer multiple of the wavelength. The standard approximation for the path-length…

Explains macroscopic properties of a number of systems as averaged-out behavior of numbers of particles. The approach is applied to a model of nuclear fission, rotational velocity in a galaxy, the nature of the rings of Saturn, oscillations of the earth, drops on a spider web, and the shape of ruined Meidum pyramid. (GH)

Two basic concepts of the social sciences--society and culture--are analyzed and new definitions are proposed. Concepts are the basic building blocks of scientific theory. A science with poor concepts will, therefore, be incapable of producing powerful scientific theory. When commonly used social science definitions of society and culture are…

Recent studies have revealed that a large percentage of the public believes that science is of great importance, but that the public's basic science knowledge is woefully lacking. These studies highlight a vexing problem: how can scientists, through the mass media, enlighten the tax-paying populace to their work, given that a sound foundation in…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether relationships occur among spatial skills, logical reasoning, and various genetic concepts. Twenty-one students enrolled in an undergraduate genetics course in a northern New Jersey institution completed a series of tests and tasks designed to measure flexibility of closure, visualization,…

Considers the question: Can fundamental modern concepts of special relativity and quantum mechanics be taught to students with minimal preparation in science and mathematics in anything other than oversimplified terms? (PEB)

Suggests the need to provide chemical instruction for nonscience majors, as well as science majors. Many technical developments and social problems involve chemical concepts and should be included in the education of more people. (RH)

Since the birth of chemistry as a discipline in the 19th century, chemists have always been the "bomb-makers." Traditionally, this has been part of the allure for students for the "central science." Even students who will never be scientists consider chemistry for their science elective in part because chemists are the ones who…

Presents some materials for use in demonstration and experimentation of corrosion processes, including corrosion stimulation and inhibition. Indicates that basic concepts of electrochemistry, crystal structure, and kinetics can be extended to practical chemistry through corrosion explanation. (CC)

Describes the way in which quantum ideas are incorporated into the Nuffield advanced physics course. Quantum theory is presented as an enormous intellectual leap to be excited by, puzzled over and thought about, not as a set of results and equations to be packed away in the mind. (Author/MLH)

Describes how model rocketry can be a useful educational tool at the university level as a practical application of theoretical aerodynamic concepts and as a tool for students in experimental research. (BR)

Describes a kite day at an elementary school which incorporated principles of flight, the history, art and craftsmanship of kite making and flying and provided a fun multidisciplinary approach to a student-oriented activity. (BR)

Discusses the roots of Chinese science in Taoism and naturalism and their synthesis in neo-Confucism in the Sung dynasty. Briefly mentions relations with the West. Specifically cites Chinese acoustical science and discoveries in magnetism. Includes a syllabus for a course. (GH)

Paper delivered at the American Association of Physics Teachers meeting in New York City, February, 1967.

A COMPUTER PROGRAMING SYSTEM HAS BEEN DEVISED THAT WILL ALLOW THE RESEARCHER TO SPECIFY ANY OR ALL VARIABLES ENTERING INTO A PARTICULAR SIMULATION, ALONG WITH THE FUNCTIONS WHICH DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN VARIABLES. THE SYTSTEM USES A "SPECIAL-PURPOSE-PROGRAMING LANGUAGE" BASED ON THE NATURAL LANGUAGE DESCRIPTION THE SCIENTIST…