Probes, through interviews with members of the setting panel, the process of setting the first external test for the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) physics course when it was implemented in 1992. Some implications are noted for future efforts to reform curriculum and assessment in physics, and for current classroom practice. (Author/MM)

Suggests using the informal experiences students have through extracurricular activities such as music lessons to design a curriculum related to sound that encourages active student participation and learning. (DDR)

The introduction of citizenship as a National Curriculum subject in English schools offers new opportunities for the effective teaching of science. Presents some challenges for busy physics teachers and the resources available to support them. (Author/MM)

Argues that although findings of the educational research are very valuable in physics education it is not the most important element to improve education. Discusses comparisons of students' academic achievement from an international perspective, students' understanding of scientific concepts, and research and practice in physics education.…

Reports on the results of a study involving an innovative assessment program initiated to investigate student predictions and revised explanations regarding a variety of optical phenomena. Suggests that the introduction of new forms of assessment in science education, although desirable, will require significant reordering of the goals and…

Examines the required cluster of terms and transmission techniques in Newtonian mechanics. Suggests some characteristics of what a student acquires in the course of becoming a licensed practitioner in the field. (CCM)

Describes an hour-long activity to illustrate the properties and use of cylindrical concave mirrors. Appropriate for non-science majors or high school students. (WRM)

Describes a lesson in which students perform simple body movements in order to gain insight into the relationship between time and the astronomical motions of the earth, and how these motions influence what we see in the sky at various times of the day and year. (WRM)

Describes how to construct a diver that repeatedly submerges and rises to the surface of a tub of water from a plastic disposable pipet and baking powder. (WRM)

Describes two demonstration setups using easily obtainable household items that can be used to illustrate distillation. (WRM)

Explains how a toy called "Sound Bites" can be modified to demonstrate the transmission of sound waves. Students can hear music from the toy when they press it against any bone in their heads or shoulders. (WRM)

Describes an alternative set-up for demonstrating Lenz's Law in which the magnet can be seen during its fall. (WRM)

Describes the technique and benefits of having physics students practice connecting paper models of electric circuits before attempting to use real ones. (WRM)

Suggests that the physics that students find interesting and absorbing is not necessarily that which curriculum planners think it ought to be. Finds that what is crucial is thorough preparation, equipment that works, and the support of a skilled laboratory technician. (Author/CCM)

Examines the issue of learning physics content through real-life contexts. Considers two projects--one from the United Kingdom, the other from Australia--that use a context-based learning approach. (Author/CCM)