This study qualitatively examines teacher intentions to utilize national standards as a resource for reform in their classrooms, schools, or districts. The topic is explored in light of recently adopted state guidelines called the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in science. The effect that state guidelines have on teachers'…

During the past 15 years, physics education research has revealed many surprising things about the difficulties introductory physics students have in learning physics. At the same time, the ongoing revolution in information technology has led to new tools for creating innovative educational environments. In response to these two developments, a…

Up, up and away! A hot air balloon, an airplane and even the space shuttle all defy the force of gravity, but they all do it in different ways. Children will learn about the basic concepts that make flight possible. With clear demonstrations and a hands-on project, students will be able to understand more easily the basic concepts behind various…

For thousands of years, humans dreamed of flying--but it isn't as easy as birds make it look. Students will learn about lift, gravity, thrust and drag--the forces that are used to get tons of steel off the ground and carry people thousands of miles before landing safely. They will also discover the role atoms and air pressure play in this amazing…

This activity booklet is divided into two parts. Part One presents basic information about the electromagnetic spectrum and multiwavelength astronomy with an emphasis on X-ray astronomy. Part Two describes X-ray detectors at a more advanced level. An introduction to the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) and its contributions to science is…

This book is based on an integrated approach to science and technology and targets middle schools students. Each unit includes a teacher's guide and eight science activities. Units include: (1) "The Mousetrap Car"; (2) "The CO2 Car"; and (3) "The Space Frame Vehicle". Supplemental materials consist of seven readings including: (1) "Brainstorming";…

In this American Institute of Physics report, three questions are addressed: 1) What are the goals of undergraduate physics curriculum? 2) What are the common career paths of physics bachelors? 3) How well does the physics curriculum prepare our bachelors for these careers? The paper suggests that physics curricula 1) provide students with a…

This CD-ROM allows students to learn about physics principles and the scientists who discovered them through genius or luck. The simplicity of these physical laws and how the discovery of these laws has improved the daily lives of humans is discussed. The computer program explores the physics behind the earth's rotation, Archimedes' Principles,…

Discusses the procedures of using operational amplifiers to conduct student projects and teach physical phenomena such as oscillation, radioactive decay, terminal velocity, projectile and ball bouncing. (CC)

Describes a number of activities and experiments designed to add interest and increase understanding in the secondary school physics laboratory. (JR)

The first part of a two-part article describes an experimental approach that can be used in teaching the concept of saturated vapour pressure. This leads to a discussion of refrigeration cycles in the second part of the article. (JR)

The Continuous Progress group showed greater acquisition, greater transfer to a related course, and greater retention 1 year later. A low correlation obtained between acquisition and retention measures for the CP group raised some questions about the effect of continuous progress procedures on retention. (Authors/CB)

Describes various physics courses offered at Moline, particularly the conduct of self-pacing programs for grade 10-12 students who are either interested in the topic or planning further study in science. Indicates tremendously increasing enrollments with the adoption of the new instruction method. (CC)