Examines the physical basis for colors of noble metals (copper, silver, gold) developed from energy conservation/quantum mechanical view of free electron photoabsorption. Describes production of absorption edges produced by change in density of occupied valence electron states in the d-band, which allows stronger absorption in the visible photon…

Provides a profile of Michigan high school biology, chemistry, and physics teachers for the 1980-81, 1981-82, and 1982-83 school years, including highest degree(s), major(s), minor(s), sex, years of teaching experience, type of certificate, and assignment(s). Also examines possible trends in the staffing of high school science courses in Michigan.…

Age-specific variables of science teacher survival rates, incoming number of new teachers, and rate at which science teachers change age cohorts were used in a 5-year longitudinal study of all Kansas physics/chemistry teachers to project the need for teachers in 1985 and in 1990. Methodology and results are reported. (Author/JN)

Described are 13 physics experiments/demonstrations applicable to introductory physics courses. Activities include: improved current balance, division circuits, liquid pressure, convection, siphons, oscillators and modulation, electrical resistance, soap films, Helmholtz coils, radioactive decay, and springs. (SL)

Described is a technique for utilizing television video equipment to display diffraction and interference phenomena for elementary physics courses. (SL)

Describes a method for performing a thermodynamic "ice bomb" demonstration which is faster, simpler, and cheaper than commercially available demonstration devices. (SL)

Describes physics experiments and apparatus construction for studies in astronomy, electricity, wave measurement and speed, the behavior of steel, and intermolecular forces. Includes a detailed description of how to simulate apparent trajectories of the moon and sun. (CS)

This book is designed for middle school students to learn scientific literacy through event-based science. Unlike traditional curricula, the event-based earth science module is a student-centered, interdisciplinary, inquiry-oriented program that emphasizes cooperative learning, teamwork, independent research, hands-on investigations, and…

This book is designed for middle school life science or physical science teachers to help their students learn scientific literacy through event-based science. Unlike traditional curricula, the event- based earth science module is a student-centered, interdisciplinary, inquiry-oriented program that emphasizes cooperative learning, teamwork,…

This paper describes the Introductory Physics I and II courses taught by the author via the Kentucky Community and Technical College System's Kentucky Virtual University (KYVU). Students can register for a KYVU course either online or at their local college. Because many of the students are not highly computer literate, and they may be working on…

The American Institute of Physics has regularly reported information about physics and astronomy graduate students since 1968. In more recent years the survey has shifted to focus on first-year graduate students, with a survey of the full population of graduate students every few years. This report covers surveys of first-year students for the…

The decision about which college to attend can be daunting. College bound high school students may pore over catalogs, make visits to multiple campuses, and negotiate the intricacies of financial aid. There are a variety of choices, and the most basic of choices involves what type of school to attend. Should it be a well-funded research university…

This paper presents preliminary hypotheses about the relationship between faculty goals for the introductory calculus-based physics course and their beliefs about student learning of problem solving. All faculties have problem solving as a major goal for their courses. There appears to be however, an instructional paradox. When discussing how…

This guide offers a systematic approach to the wide variety of published biographical information on men and women of science in the life, earth and physical sciences, primarily from 1989 to 2006, and complements Library of Congress Science Tracer Bullet "TB88-3" ("Biographical Sources in the Sciences," compiled 1988 [ED306074]) and "TB06-7"…

This report looks at the characteristics, educational experiences and the short- and long-term goals of senior-level physics and astronomy majors at a point just before their graduation. It examines the factors that influenced them to study physics or astronomy as well as what they considered important when choosing which institution to attend.…