Describes an experiment that used a four-element radio interferometer to illustrate gravitational deflection as predicted by the theory of general relativity. (MLH)

Describes a chemical engineering course in nuclear fusion reactor systems; includes plasma problems, fuel cycles, materials, blanket problems, reactor control, environmental problems. (MLH)

Described is a physics experiment in which small bits of metal on a water surface will move towards, and away from an electrostatically charged rod. The explanation for the motion of the metal bits deals with their shape and the electrical force on the water surface. (SL)

Discusses the fact that heat only exists at the boundary of a system as energy is being transferred because of a temperature difference between the system and the surroundings. Points out that many texts incorrectly refer to heat as a system component. (MLH)

Described is a personalized self-instruction science program implemented at Cambridge School, Boston. The program consists of five-week modules, in each science area, which the students select. (SL)

Describes a conference concerning the teaching of physics for those who make use of physics in other disciplines. An appendix describes reports prepared during the conference by working groups formed to consider the problems of relating physics to various specific disciplines. (Author/MLH)

Describes a computer program that computes field lines and equipotential surfaces for a wide range of field configurations. Presents the mathematical technique and details of the program, the input data, and different modes of graphical representation. (MLH)

Describes an advanced undergraduate laboratory experiment for studying thermionic emission. The cathode of a type 922 photodiode is used as an emitter over a temperature range from room temperature to 80 degrees centigrade; the thermionic emission current varies by a factor of 3000 over this temperature range. (MLH)

Mathematics is an essential element of physics problem solving, but experts often fail to appreciate exactly how they use it. Math may be the language of science, but math-in-physics is a distinct dialect of that language. Physicists tend to blend conceptual physics with mathematical symbolism in a way that profoundly affects the way equations are…

This document describes the need for improved physics education of K-12 teachers and suggests "Curriculum S" as a possible partial solution. "Curriculum S" for synthesis intends to serve students who want to study physics as background for something other than physics research. The document presents some models of "Curriculum S" programs proposed…

This report contains five action research papers in science education. Papers include: (1) "Does Classroom Size in an Industrial Technology Laboratory Affect Grades and Success in Class?" (Chad Bruns); (2) "The Effects of Project Based Learning on Students' Engagement, Independence, and Interest in Physical Geology Class" (Jill…

The Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation (FMCE) is a multiple-choice test that has been used to evaluate physics instruction. However, the validity and reliability estimates have not been determined in a way a social scientist would expect. Few psychometric data were used to estimate the validity and reliability of the FMCE instrument. This…

This booklet contains information and activities on the life cycle of stars. Materials can be adapted for kindergarten through grade 8 classrooms. Background information on massive stars and medium stars and activities with subjects such as star life, constellation shapes, nebula terminology, astronomical distances, and pulsars is included. The 12…

This paper examines the oral and written discourse processes in a high school physics class and how these discourse processes are related to sociocultural practices in scientific communities. The theoretical framework is based on sociological and anthropological studies of scientific communities and ethnographies of classroom life. The use of…

This research report contains a fairly concise overview of the role of constructivism in the teaching of mathematics and science in Finland. Included papers have been grouped into three parts. The first part, "General Considerations," consists of the seven articles on theoretical considerations, social constructivism, teachers' and pupils'…