Discusses the uses of talk in science classrooms in general and physics classrooms in particular. Presents examples from three physics lessons illustrating the issues raised, focusing on the use of thematic systems of science--ways of talking about particular phenomena. (Author/JN)

Provides an annotated list of technical and nontechnical astronomy books (reviewer's remarks, cost, publisher's name/address). Topics include general astronomy, general astronomy textbooks, solar system, amateur astronomy, astronomy history, archeoastronomy, space exploration, related physics books, pseudoscience, and others. (JN)

An instrument for the continuous assessment of high school physics students' laboratory performance was developed and evaluated. Physics teachers (N=25) observed students conducting experiments on film to judge student performance against a standard set of criteria. Results suggest increases in observational objectivity and precision as well as…

Suggests a teaching strategy for water habitat studies to help students make a meaningful connection between physiochemical data (dissolved oxygen content, pH, and water temperature) and biological specimens they collect. Involves constructing a poster and using it to make predictions. Provides sample poster. (DC)

Describes an apparatus for plotting electric fields using burglar alarm window tape for electrodes and carbonized electronic stencil paper as sheet resistance. Also describes a simple pentode modulator circuit which will modulate a typical helium-neon gas laser, providing an audio channel for demonstration purposes. (SK)

Describes the first course of a new physics curriculum developed at the Karlsruke Institute for the Didactics of Physics. The basic idea, energy flow, is introduced at the beginning of the course and illustrated by examples from everyday life. Highlights selected topics which introduce concepts unique to the approach. (Author/JN)

An engineering case study is used as the focal point of a communications course. Communications theory and practical exercises are structured around the case study described, an adaptation and extension of the power station game developed in the early 1970s. Includes outline of and sample student activities. (JN)

To provide an activity illustrating why they encounter conceptual difficulties in physics, students constructed a "world map" of physics which defines various "seas" and illustrates relationships between them. Salient features of this approach and physics concepts fostered are included. (JN)

Laboratory procedures, equipment, teaching ideas, and resource materials related to physics are discussed. Topics include the construction of a liquid-metal pump, a hydraulic jack, and an apparatus which helps teach time/velocity graphs; current/voltage characteristics of a tungsten filament lamp; and an electric circuit game. (DC)

Curriculum planning, even in a developed country, is not without problems. Curriculum planners in developing countries are faced with dilemmas at almost every level of decision making. The revision of the Malaysian physics curriculum is detailed in this article. (PB)

Presents 15 energy-related physics problems, including a brief indication of the essential features for solving each problem. Problems reflect various energy-related situations and involve different areas of physics. (SK)

Several experiments are described using common laboratory apparatus and readily available materials to generate resonance spectra of air columns. The advantages of this apparatus and method of demonstration are visual impact and accuracy of results. (CS)

Describes the construction of an apparatus which can be used to demonstrate vapor pressures of solids, liquids, and solutions. (SK)

Describes the physics program at Saudi Arabia's University of Petroleum and Minerals, including the physics curriculum, examinations, and future plans. Includes comments on the development and operation of the University as a whole. (SK)

Describes a single introductory course for both nonscience and physics majors, emphasizing wave aspects of selected physics phenomena rather than traditional Newtonian mechanics. Modes of presentation, consistent with the notion of a spiral syllabus, are explained with reference to the cognitive and educational theories of Bruner and Piaget.…