Discusses effective ways to teach electrical wiring by showing the connection between the schematics symbols and the actual wiring. (MLH)

Evaluates Thornton's modular electronics system for use in the general physics laboratory. Includes the Thornton pre-set counter-adapter, decade counter, and amplifier-power supply. (MLH)

Describes equipment that can be used to synchronize visual materials with an audio narrative. (MLH)

Discusses recent progress in using tunable lasers to selectively separate substances at the atomic and molecular level. Emphasizes biological applications, such as selective excitation and breaking of hydrogen bonds in DNA. (MLH)

Discusses new laser techniques that make it possible to see optical spectra without Doppler broadening, to label energy levels, and to enhance sensitivity. (MLH)

Provides a brief history of research and technological development relating to the physics of underwater sound. (SL)

Trickshot! is an exploratory environment that allows learners to experiment with various physical properties to develop an intuitive understanding of the behavior of objects in physical systems. The software is geared to secondary students with little exposure to pool or physics. When used in conjunction with meaningful class activities, such an…

Describes an activity in which students formulate their own questions and design investigations to answer them through a field trip to an amusement park. Cooperative learning groups of three or four students select one ride to investigate, then propose a question with an independent variable and a resulting dependent variable supporting their…

Presents a method for teaching aspects of mechanics using juggling. This approach requires an understanding of the three ball juggling pattern. Recommends teacher-guided deconstruction of the ball motion and discusses acceleration, force, gravity, impulse, and momentum. (DDR)

Describes using computer-based interviews as a research technique for investigating how students think about physics. One program called Graphs and Tracks, designed for use as an instructional aid, displays motions of a ball rolling along a track. Another program called Atwood, requires students to predict effects on motion or graphs of motion.…

Presents experiments with polarized light for grades 8-12 which can produce colorful effects with a minimum of equipment and can illustrate many principles of physics, chemistry, and geology. (MKR)

Describes an experiment designed to measure absolute zero using Charles' Law without the use of mercury. Provides the procedure and details of the apparatus and includes experimental results obtained using the apparatus. (DDR)

Presents a project-based interdisciplinary unit involving chemistry, physics, English, and geometry in which students are charged with the task of building a boat that will carry one student across the school's pool and back. (JRH)

Describes an attempt to match the goals of the practical demonstration of the use of a strain gauge and the technical applications of science and responding to student questions in early trials, while keeping within the level of electronics in advanced physics. (Author/JRH)

Investigates how Greek secondary school students interacted in pairs and fours while discussing and attempting to explain physical phenomena. Results indicate that students progressed significantly more in their physics reasoning after participation in fours than in pairs. Discourse analysis in different groupings suggests that differences were…