Describes the theory and operation of a demonstration which shows the effect of the inclination angle on the range of a projectile. (CP)

Describes the construction of a direct-reading inertial balance that works on the same principle as that used by astronauts in space when weightless. It is used to help demonstrate and measure inertial mass. (GA)

Demonstrates that infinitely many Lagrangians and Hamiltonians can be constructed from a given equation of motion. Points out the lack of an established criterion for making a proper selection. (Author/GA)

Describes the differential equation solution to the mechanics problem of the motion of a free mass subject to a harmonic force which can also be illustrated by a simple analogue computer. (SL)

An elementary analysis of a common textbook airplane problem is given, and then, as an illustrative example, the possibilities of this mechanism for animal navigation are briefly considered. (Author/MA)

Describes a rotating chair with sliding calibrated masses suitable for demonstrating and determining the conservation of angular momentums. (SL)

"Exploring Female Images Through Movement," a course at Skidmore College, features activities that help students reexamine their attitudes toward their bodies, improve their self-image, and, through a combination of physical education and women's studies, experiment with new activities and ideas about themselves as women. (MB)

Reported is the use of a wrestling photograph in a noncalculus introductory physics course. The photograph presents a maneuver that could serve as an example for a discussion on equilibrium, forces, torque, and angular motion. Provided are some qualitative thoughts as well as quantitative calculations. (YP)

Examines 3-month-old infants' perception of "camouflaged" forms that were only visible when moving. Shows infants effectively use kinetic information to organize visual input in higher-order structures. (HOD)

Describes three experiments that examined how children (4- to 11-year-olds) use their knowledge of the attributes of living things to infer whether particular objects are alive. (HOD)

Defines frame of reference for the analysis of motion in a moving car, discussing the interaction of the car body, the seat springs, and the passenger when the car goes over a bump. Provides a related, but more advanced, problem with the motion of cars involving angular acceleration. (JM)

Compares the response of preterm and full-term infants to moving objects presented with or without accompanying sound. Finds differences in attention and recognition between full-terms and preterms at three months of age. At six months of age only high-risk preterms showed different responses than full-terms, suggesting that they are at a…

A glance at any newspaper shows that graphs play an important part in presenting data to the public. It appears self-evident that children need to develop "graphical literacy" as part of their mathematics education. As part of a series of mathematically orientated science activities in the Practical Mechanics in Primary Mathematics project, 102…

A procedural task was demonstrated via videotape in two formats - one with motion, one using a series of still photographs. The sound tracks were identical. In two experiments the motion treatment was superior for some subjects and cuing arrows made no difference. (Author)

Describes several demonstrations designed to dispel student misconceptions relating to falling bodies. An object moving with a horizontal velocity is shown to fall to the earth as quickly as a free falling object dropped from the same height. (JR)