Asks whether the masses of a block of wood and a block of iron with the same weight are different. Discusses the buoyancy of air involved in the problem. (YP)

Discusses a method for teaching introductory physics courses that reverses the traditional sequence of instruction and is based on beginning all lecture treatments with discussions of complex, yet familiar phenomena and working backward to discussions of the simple physical laws underlying them. (Author/MKR)

Describes an alternate method of demonstrating thin film interference fringes with a laser by using a microscope slide glass cover. (MKR)

This article reports on a study that was designed to describe prospective elementary teachers' prior verbal and diagrammatic knowledge about various aspects of light, seeing, shadows, and mirror images. Data were collected through individual interviews using simple apparatus. Included are some inferences about how students' ideas may have emerged…

Presents suggestions for demonstrating that a teacher cares about individual students in the class in a form that adolescents understand. Concludes that good physics teaching is more than only technical expertise and that teachers who successfully engage all their students have students who are convinced that the teacher cares about each as an…

Describes the construction and use of an electrooptic apparatus that can be incorporated into the classroom to test liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and introduce students to experiments of an applied physics nature with very practical implications. Presents experiments that give students hands-on experience with technologies of current interest to…

Discusses the use of high school students to present physics demonstrations to first graders. (MKR)

Interviewed six first-year college students in an introductory physics course about their beliefs about physics. Characterized the students' beliefs about the structure of physics knowledge as isolated facts or a coherent system; content of physics knowledge as formulas or underlying concepts; and process of learning physics as receiving…

Examines what the history of science comprises, how nonhistorians may learn how best to use historical materials, and also what pitfalls await the teacher of physics who is anxious to include some of the material from the history of science in elementary courses. (PR)

Describes the construction of capacitors using commercially available double-sided printed circuit boards. Presents activities using these capacitors. (PR)

Presents a simpler derivation for centripetal acceleration for use when students are first introduced to the topic. (PR)

Describes an inexpensive fog machine that is useful for photography and laser demonstrations. The apparatus uses liquid nitrogen to chill steam to make a fine mist safe for precision optics. The device can be made for around $50. (MVL)

The Force Concept Inventory (FCI) is a 29-question, multiple-choice test designed to assess students' Newtonian and non-Newtonian conceptions of force. Presents an analysis of FCI results as one way to determine what the inventory actually measures. (LZ)

Presents the Night Spectra Quest, a pocket-sized chart that identifies in color the spectra of all the common night lights and has an integrally mounted, holographic diffraction grating to look through. (JRH)

Presents a quick, convenient method to determine the index of refraction as well as a unique application of the laser. (ZWH)