Presents 26 activities, experiments, demonstrations, games, and computer programs for biology, chemistry, and physics. Background information, laboratory procedures, equipment lists, and instructional strategies are given. Topics include eye measurements, nutrition, soil test tube rack, population dynamics, angular momentum, transition metals,…

Presents eight separate articles on science education. Topic areas addressed include: an inservice course in primary science; improving physics teaching; reducing chemistry curriculum; textbook readability measures; school-industry link for introductory engineering; local education authority initiatives in primary school science; and "Winnie…

Addresses the strategy and policy implications of effective ballistic missile defense and the scope/priorities of a research program underway to determine its technical feasibility. Several types of "smart bullets" are described, along with sensing devices for space, air, and ground. Procedures established to centrally plan/control the program are…

Secondary physics students were interviewed to determine their expectations/actions in laboratory work. Results indicate preference for laboratory activities because such exercises help students remember, are less confusing, and more concrete. Use of the laboratory as an introduction to a concept, followed by discussion, was a key component to…

A series of 12 reports on the Voyager Two experiments in the Uranian system. Reports are included on: (1) imaging science; (2) photometry; (3) infrared; (4) ultraviolet; (5) radio science; (6) magnetic fields; (7) plasma; (8) charged particles; (9) magnetosphere (hot plasma and radiation); (10) radion observations; and (11) plasma waves. An…

Describes an X-Y scanner used to create acoustic holograms. Scanner is computer controlled and can be adapted to digitize pictures. Scanner geometry is discussed. An appendix gives equipment details. The control program in ATOM BASIC and 6502 machine code is available from the authors. (JM)

Describes an experimental procedure to measure the specific heat of a gas. Discusses equipment, setup, and procedures and provides sample values obtained for air, propane, helium, carbon dioxide, and argon. (JM)

Presents a classroom experiment that demonstrates the directional sensitivity of the human ear. Outlines the activity's procedures and provides a diagrammatical view of the experimental arrangement. Also included is an analysis of the expected results. (ML)

Describes various resources for teaching problem-solving. They include: (1) several books with a problem-solving emphasis; (2) a workshop focusing on the attitudinal components of thinking and problem-solving; and (3) a summary of a study dealing with problem-solving in the context of high school physics. (JN)

A formative evaluation model was used to evaluate a physics curriculum for technical vocational high schools. The evaluation focused upon the curriculum materials; the student in the classroom, in small groups, and as an individual; students' conceptual frameworks; and students' ability to cope. (GDC)

Describes development of a generative schema based on the concept of change for inclusion in instructional materials for a college physics course to help students integrate all of the physics content. Psychological basis for these materials is discussed, a design approach is described, and questions are posed for further investigation. (MBR)

Presents an annotated list of technical and non-technical astronomy books. Topic areas of non-technical books include general astronomy, amateur astronomy, computers and astronomy, history of astronomy, pseudoscience, space exploration, physics and astronomy, and textbooks. Each entry includes author, title, description, source, and current cost.…

Describes (1) an inexpensive photogate, (2) one use for a "dead" ammeter, (3) photogate addition for visual and audio signal, and (4) a photogate housing constructed from a plastic water pipe. (JN)

Investigated methods science and nonscience majors use to make predictions about five situations involving the conservation of mechanical energy. Two findings, among others, show that subjects did not employ identifiable strategies in over 97 percent of the cases and show differences in the way majors and nonmajors worked the problems given.…

Twenty secondary physics teachers from southeast Michigan participated in a National Science Foundation Honors workshop on excellence in physics teaching. Presented are the classroom practices, important resources, and roles for good programs they identified and their recommendations for improving student/counselor/administrator perceptions of…