Reviews three computer software packages: "Mystery Objects," a science inquiry series for grades one-four; "Physics," covering physics content for high school and introductory college level; and a tutorial program "Sensei Geometry." Required hardware, price, and addresses for each software package are listed. (YP)

Describes a demonstration which allows students to witness a type of continuous spectrum and an absorption spectrum. Provides a diagram and explanation for the construction of an absorption box. (RT)

Discusses the origin of the catastrophic event as to whether it was an episodic process or of extraterrestrial or endogenous origin. Develops a model of a volcanic mechanism to produce shocked quartz like those found in the Deccan basalts. (MVL)

Describes a method for making holograms viewable in white light without the problem of vibrations. Presents diagrams which show the arrangement for construction, viewing procedures, and a device for generating holograms. A list of supplies is included. (RT)

Discussed is the change and diversity of scientific information. States goals of future science education: motivation, search, principles, information, orientation, world view, and creativity. Lists the orientational skills of science education. (YP)

Reviewed are 15 studies on cognitive style and problem solving in science education. The effects of problem context, problem type, and three kinds of cognitive style on subjects' abilities to encounter and solve problems are investigated. Three protocols of the subjects' encountering activities are provided. (YP)

Evaluated is a course for twelfth graders to demonstrate a variety of aspects of applied science. The basic structure and content of the course are described. The evaluation results including achievement, interest/difficulty with other courses, lateral transfer, and attitudes are reported. Examples of problems and application questionnaire are…

Identifies an induced incorrect generalization as a generative cause for the formation of misconception. Analyzes students' protocol of an exploratory learning experiment about the laws of reflection of light. Suggests recommendations for textbook, teaching, and practical work. (Author/YP)

Discusses a wall chart, "The Standard Model of Fundamental Particles and Interactions," for use in introductory physics courses at either high school or college level. Describes the chart development process, introduction and terminology of particle physics, components of the chart, and suggestions for using the chart, booklet, and…

Discusses laser demonstration for invoking interest in science, especially physics. Describes some examples, such as diffraction, scattering, expansion by diverging lens, internal reflection in a light pipe, and illumination through optical cable. Provides some practical hints for the demonstration. (YP)

Evaluates seven courseware packages covering the topics of fluid dynamics, kinetic theory, and thermal properties. Discusses the price range, sub-topics, program type, interaction, time, calculus required, graphics, and comments of each courseware. Selects some packages based on the criteria. (YP)

Describes three California Institute of Technology projects that use IBM's InfoWindow multimedia computing technology to enhance the instructional value of a television series, "The Mechanical Universe," for use in high school and college physics. The use of personal computers and videodiscs is described, and computer graphics and video…

This article summarizes the examining syllabuses of the 1988 General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Physics papers. Some of the errors and uncertainties of the GCSE are discussed with examples. Lists five references. (YP)

Discusses the use of linear regression methods to extrapolate experimental data. Describes the method of averages and two weighted least squares. Calculates the error range of each method. (YP)

Studies the polarization effect on water by cations and anions. Describes an experiment to illustrate the polarization effect of sodium, lithium, calcium, and strontium ions on the water molecule in the hydration spheres of the ions. Analysis is performed by proton NMR. (MVL)