Describes an introductory laboratory format (used for 12 years at Colorado College) that involves students in the design and exploration phases of experiments. The laboratory features include choices of experiments; clearly explained goals; student selection of methods; wise equipment use; check-out procedures with instructor questions; and no…

A television set, piece of aluminum foil, and meter stick can be used to estimate the speed of light within a few percentage points. The activity provides students with success and generates interest in physical optics. Steps in the experiment are outlined along with suggestions for obtaining accurate results. (DH)

Suggests that electronics be taught using a systems approach, although this reverses the order of stages in the traditional approach by studying complete systems first. Also describes the hardware needed to implement a systems approach and the four stages of a course in which the equipment is used. (JN)

Results obtained from a test administered to form five Nigerian students (aged 15-17) indicate that misconceptions in physics appear to be widespread among these students in roughly the same way as among South African students. Possible causes of these misconceptions are outlined and discussed. (JN)

Why does a football thrown with a spin keep its axis pointing along its trajectory? (It's most obvious in a long, soft pass. Even with a wobbly pass the ball's axis wobbles around the line of its trajectory). The answer to this question is provided. (JN)

Discusses how LOGO programing language is used in physics teaching at Piedmont Virginia Community College in West Virginia. Also: (1) considers the characteristics of the language which make it attractive in physics teaching; (2) lists sample programs; (3) offers instructional strategies; and (4) presents student reactions. (JN)

Discusses superconducting microelectronics based on the Josephson effect and its advantages over conventional integrated circuits in speed and sensitivity. Considers present uses in standards laboratories (voltage) and in measuring weak magnetic fields. Also considers future applications in superfast computer circuitry using Superconducting…

Describes an activity which demonstrates standing waves in air generated by a loudspeaker driven by an audio oscillator. The waves are detected by cool spots on a glowing nichrome wire contained in an inexpensive piece of equipment. Also describes activities involving analysis of kinematics through data taking and graphing. (JM)

Discusses how pressure setting is determined for distillation columns, examining factors which must be considered when optimizing design for economical balance. Also discusses the basics of heat exchangers and cites a common problem with pressure differences. (JM)

Describes a science olympiad recommended as an alternative to the science fair, providing organizational details and funding notes. Discusses the competitive events which specifically include chemistry, events from other academic areas, and events designed just for fun which still provide a flavor of science. (JM)

The "Measurement Module" is a device which records measurements for microcomputer input. Construction of the device, software, and uses in physics experiments and demonstrations are discussed. (JN)

Discusses the physics behind making ice cream in a hand-cranked ice cream maker. Ingredients in the maker are cooled and hardened by a bath of ice, water, and rock salt. Several experiments to investigate the variables involved in preparing the ice cream (and related desserts) are included. (JN)

Presents (in the form of a dialogue between a student and teacher) an alternative method of using the Fine-Beam Cathode-Ray Tube to obtain the value for the specific electronic charge e/m. (JN)

This study examines possibility of ranking journals in physics by means of bibliometric regression models that estimate usefulness as it is reported by 167 physicists in United States and Canada. Development of four models, patterns of deviation from models, and validity and application are discussed. Twenty-six references are cited. (EJS)

Examines (in the form of a hypothetical dialog between a teacher and a student) the nature of the mantle and the spectral content of the glow which lights up both beam and mantle. These phenomena are associated with excitation of helium gas in the presence of electromagnetic and electrostatic fields. (JN)