Describes the summer program for minority students conducted at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. (SL)

Presents an historical analysis of the work concept with particular emphasis given to the contributions of John Smeaton and Daniel Bernoulli. Emphasizes the work done by both applied and resisting forces. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

This research examines high school students' performance on an interactive multimedia tutorial for learning physics concepts in conjunction with their individual differences. Performance was compared between the initial portion of the tutorial where students learned concepts and the final portion where they applied the concepts. (Author/LRW)

Argues that although differential equations are billed as applied mathematics, there is rarely any hands-on experience incorporated into the course. Presents a laboratory project that requires students to obtain data from a physics lab and use that data to compute the coefficients of the second order differential equation, which mathematically…

Explains an approach to teaching dimensional analysis that differs slightly from the traditional approach. The difference lies in the novelty of exposition in the presentation and interpretation of dimensional analysis as a speculative process. (DDR)

Presents strategies for encouraging dialog with students from eliciting preconceptions to bringing closure to a unit. Includes the general structure of an instructional unit that employs dialog, strategies for teachers to use, and strategies for students which include active listening. (DDR)

Examines ways that teachers' knowledge about teaching and their educational situations grow when they are engaged collaboratively with other teachers in inquiry on their own practice. Results indicate that mechanisms for enhancement of normal practice include anecdote telling, trying out ideas, and systematic inquiry. Contains 66 references.…

Reviews findings from cognitive studies that are relevant to physics instruction. Organizes the information into four broad principles: (1) pattern construction; (2) changing mental models through assimilation; (3) extending mental models through accommodation; and (4) the individuality of mental models. (DDR)

Describes the study of a physics teacher whose teaching changed as his beliefs about mathematics changed. Following a week-long institute on using graphing calculators, the teacher became an advocate of calculator use and his algebraic thinking progressed as he realized the importance of functions. (DDR)

Describes a study of college women (n=20) who participated in an experimental version of an introductory physics course that used a Physics Careers Web site. (Contains 21 references.) (DDR)

Introduces a weekend science program for early childhood and elementary school students. Uses kites to teach about lightening as a source of electricity and aerodynamics. Includes directions on how to make a kite. (YDS)

Presents an existence proof of how preservice science teachers used analogies embedded in their course materials, Physics by Inquiry. Reports three distinct roles of analogies: a) cognitive process skills; b) scientific conceptual understanding; and c) social contexts for problem solving. Agrees on the importance of collaborative problem solving…

Explains that thinking like a physicist involves an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ability to use these methods in investigations. Describes two simple experiments in which high school and college students measure physical constants and make an easy analysis of their experimental data by applying the tools offered by…

Introduces an alternative method to determine the mechanics of a moving object that uses computer vision algorithms with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera as a recording device. Presents two experiments, pendulum motion and terminal velocity, to compare results of the alternative and conventional methods. (YDS)

Describes the implementation of a new laboratory-based, interdisciplinary undergraduate course on linear dynamical systems. Focuses on geometrical methods and data visualization techniques. (Contains 20 references.) (Author/YDS)