Presents a logical analysis of three vector concepts (position, displacement, velocity) in terms of their constituent characteristics and shows how they can be used to structure an empirical investigation into students' prior knowledge about these characteristics. Reports results of students' (N=20) conceptions about the vector characteristics…

Materials needed and procedures for conducting two activities are provided. The first investigates drops of a liquid which float on water in a watchglass resting on top of a loudspeaker. The second investigates electromagnetic phenomena. (JN)

Describes an apparatus for viewing one- and two-dimensional collisions and coupled pendulums on an overhead projector. Suggested demonstrations for the two-dimensional colliding balls and for the two-dimensional coupled pendulums are provided. (JN)

Describes (in the form of a hypothetical discussion between teacher and student) several demonstrations using the fine-beam cathode-ray tube. One is a demonstration of how a magnetic field can help to initiate and propagate a fine beam. (JN)

Described is a method of converting vacuum-tube operated Heath analog computers (model ES-201) to linear integrated-circuits. (SL)

Data on the semantic proximity of classical mechanics concepts, obtained by means of a cross-sectional investigation (100 subjects) using a continued word association test, were analyzed by individual difference multidimensional scaling to permit the mapping of semantic space for individual subjects. (JC)

Methods for determining the radius of an atom are described. Unlike a previous article which approached the problem from an elementary perspective, this article examines a progression of increasingly sophisticated determinations. (CS)

Relates various experiences that illustrate one teacher's way of dealing with teaching problems common in inner-city schools. (MLH)

Presents the complete 1974 Advanced Placement Physics B Examination and an answer key to the multiple-choice section. (MLH)

Describes the Integrated Science sequence at Howard Community College (Maryland). The courses in this sequence incorporate principles from biology, chemistry, and physics to offer a broad view of science and to assist students in integrating the key principles within these disciplines. (DC)

Reviewed are recent developments and projects concerned with the utilization of computer graphic terminals in computer assisted instruction of undergraduate level physics. Programs at the University of California, Irvine, University of Illinois, and Dartmouth are reviewed. (SL)

This booklet contains information and activities on the life cycle of stars. Materials can be adapted for grade 9 through grade 12 classrooms. Background information about star birth and life, black dwarfs, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, and the electromagnetic spectrum is included. The seven activities focus on star mass,…

Multiple-choice tests such as the Force Concept Inventory (FCI) provide useful instruments to probe the distribution of student difficulties on a large scale. However, traditional analysis often relies solely on scores (number of students giving the correct answer). This ignores what can be significant and important information: the distribution…

Strategic Programs for Innovations in Undergraduate Physics (SPIN-UP) set out to answer an intriguing question: Why, in the 1990s, did some physics departments increase the number of bachelor's degrees awarded in physics or maintain a number much higher than the national average for their type of institution? During that decade, the number of…