The development of an instructional model based on a learning cycle including correlation, analysis, and generalization (CAG) is described. A module developed for heat and temperature was administered to test its effects by comparing its use with the same unit in the New Physical Science Curriculum (NPSC). The methodology, results, and discussion…

Discussed are some areas of overlap between physics and astronomy. Topics include solar power, fusion reactions, atmospheric refraction, solar spectrum, Doppler effects, Hubble constant, quasars, redshift and the expanding universe, sunspots, sundial construction, solar spectroscopes, the moon, optics, wave theory, the history of science,…

Presented are some techniques aimed at motivating more high school students to take elective courses in chemistry and physics. Discussed are teacher attitudes about who should study chemistry and physics, preassessment of new topics, and the importance of communication between science teachers. (KR)

Teachers of 76 preservice courses responded to a survey concerning the effectiveness of a British Department of Education and Science grant program in attracting and retaining quality teacher trainees in the three areas of mathematics, physics, and craft/design/technology. Results are reported and analyzed. The dropout rate was found to be about 7…

A nonmajors course entitled Ideas and Concepts in Physics that surveys the conception and development of ideas in classical and modern physics is described. Details of the syllabus and suggestions for incorporating an historical approach into the physics curriculum on both the precollege and college levels are provided. A bibliography of materials…

Presents a class activity in which students use trigonometry to calculate the height attained by a water rocket. Provides a lesson plan that includes a list of materials needed, procedures to carry out the experiment, suggestions to extend the activity, and a reproducible worksheet for the students to register their calculations. (MDH)

Discussed is the Scope, Sequence, and Coordination science curriculum in which students study a combination of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space science over a six-year period. The implementation of this curriculum in various schools is described. (KR)

Uses computers to help students identify variables controlling pendulum period. A program written in BASIC for the Apple computer is provided. The activities are useful for developing science skills, mathematics skills, and computer skills. (PR)

Describes the teacher's guide made up of 125 student activities encompassing 1 year of high school physics instruction called Physics Resources and Instructional Strategies for Motivating Students (PRISMS). The learning cycle of each activity includes three phases: exploration, concept introduction, and concept application. Provides exploration…

Describes a Russian approach of using literature to make physics instruction more interesting and attractive to students. (PR)

A study examined frequency of active, passive verb forms in two astrophysics journal articles, finding "we" plus an active voice occurs at least as frequently as the passive. This pattern typifies a previously unidentified type of research article, the logical argument scientific paper, whose characteristics are detailed. Similar pattern…

Describes the essential features and results of an Extended General Physics course offered as an alternative to the general physics sequence at Rutgers University. Finds that by integrating many proven-successful instructional techniques and structuring the time that students spend in the course, the program has fostered the success of at-risk as…

A physics professor ponders the advantages and possibilities of the Internet in graduate education and shares his own experiences delivering graduate courses and individual lectures online. Discusses accreditation and costing between institutions, the nature and extent of copyright problems, and the most useful forms of student interaction. (PVD)

Discusses the importance of science education in early childhood education and describes different approaches in incorporating physics into the preschool curriculum. Provides examples of experiments and encourages parent participation in children's science activities. Concludes by looking at science as an equity issue and emphasizes that science…

Compares male and female perceptions of and confidence in an experimental physics class at the University of Arkansas. The class, a National Science Foundation (NSF)-sponsored project, attempts to improve the educational experience for all students. Women made statistically significant gains in confidence and attitude toward science in the…