Based on the premise that discoveries raise more questions than they answer, explores various research questions related to the discovery of the planets and discoveries related to the theory of stellar evolution. (SK)

Describes an experiment on a coupled system in which accurate timing is carried out using a Light Activated Switch (LAS) technique. LAS can be used for a wide range of periodic phenomena, provided the amplitude is sufficiently large to interrupt a light beam. (Author/SK)

A method is presented for teaching some topics of kinematics. It involves the use of electronic equipment, which allows active student participation, the systematic analysis and solution of problems, and the use of a quick feedback loop for training. (Author/SK)

Describes a course dealing with special functions and their applications to chemical engineering problems. Its major objective is to provide an adequate understanding and appreciation of the usefulness of special functions in the modeling of problems taken from various areas of engineering and applied physics. (Author/SK)

Describes the semantic network technique of Rumelhart and Norman and by Lindsay and Normal for subject matter content analysis and explores its application to genetics. (CS)

Discusses how physics was done at the University of California at Berkeley in the 1930s, focusing on the faculty and their accomplishments, physics experiments, physics instruments/equipment (cyclotron and rhumbatron), and research problems and their solutions. Includes reminiscences about lectures on thermodynamics presented by Otto Stern during…

Discusses possibilities for science after the year 2000, focusing on the nature of complex matter, collective properties of complex systems, role of engineering in future science, and technology (applied science). Indicates that energy supply is the outstanding world scientific/technological problem of the twenty-first century. (Author/JN)

Discusses technological advancement in Japan (including financial tools) and America's response to meet the Japanese high-technology challenge. This response includes university programs to learn about Japan/Japanese, cooperative agreements with Japanese universities, and programs to send U.S. graduate students to work in Japanese companies. (JN)

The threat of instrument obsolescence and tight federal budgets have conspired to threaten the existence of research analytical laboratories. Despite these and other handicaps most existing laboratories expect to keep operating in support of basic research, though there may be serious penalties in the future unless funds are forthcoming. (Author)

Provides an overview of a one-semester course in rocks and minerals for non-geology majors taught at Pittsburg State University. Includes information involving the methodology and content of the course, equipment needed, textbook selection, and general impressions of the course. (DS)

Subjects (N=41) were randomly assigned to one of two groups defined by the teacher's clarity in a genetics lesson: low-clarity versus high-clarity. Subjects rated lesson presentation and completed a test on content. The high-clarity group perceived lessons as significantly clearer and achieved more than the low-clarity group. (DS)

A 1.5-MeV High Voltage Electron Microscope has been installed at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory which will help materials scientists and biologists study samples in more true-to-life situations. A 1-MeV Atomic Resolution Microscope will be installed at the same location in two years which will allow scientists to distinguish atoms. (DS)

Since industry is investing heavily in research/development, the government's responsibility should be to assure that industrial spending is paralleled by real growth in its support of basic research. Such growth is realistic (even with budgetary constraints) given a proposed compact between government, universities, and industry for support of…

A description is given of an inexpensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer suitable for use in advanced laboratory courses. Applications to the nondestructive analysis of the oil content in corn seeds and in monitoring the crystallization of polymers are presented. (SK)

Provides basic information on videodisks and potential applications, including inexpensive online storage, random access graphics to complement online information systems, hybrid network architectures, office automation systems, and archival storage. (JN)