Describes a theory concerning the formation of soap films which enables this technique to be applied to problems requiring the minimization of the surface area between fixed boundaries. (Author/CP)

Describes a demonstration technique for showing multiple-slit interference patterns with the use of a Fabry-Perot etalon and a laser beam. A simple derivation of the analytical expression for such fringes is presented. (Author/CP)

Discusses difficulties encountered in the determination of the thermal conductivity of a gas. Provides analyses of one particular set of data. (CP)

Photographs of snow covered buildings are used to illustrate thermal radiation from various types of structures and the effect of insulation on heat loss. (CP)

Details construction of an inexpensive electronic auditory device in which the resistance in parallel with the device is inversely proportional to the frequency of sound produced. (CP)

Reports on studies made by two graduate students concerning doctoral physics students' attitudes toward academic and industrial careers. Findings reveal that more students initially prefer academic employment due to preconceptions about industry, but effective industrial relations can allay these fears. (CP)

Discusses the use of a simulation language designed to teach dynamic behavior to engineering students via a digital computer. Describes specific applications of the language and the costs of implementing digital dynamic simulation. (MLH)

Discusses problems encountered by both staff and students in the teaching of physics in Papua New Guinea. It is particularly concerned with the teaching of physics to technology students, describing the background of the students, consequential problems, and steps being taken to overcome these problems. (CP)

Describes an activity involving a transparent water filled box and a plane mirror in which the refraction of light rays is demonstrated. (CP)

Investigates quantitatively the diffractions of light by a U.S. penny and an aperture of the same size. Differences noted between the theory and measurements are discussed, with probable causes indicated. (Author/CP)

Describes an experiment in which physics students were assigned to groups according to Piaget's stages of cognitive development and members of each group were asked to solve an elementary mechanics problem. Analysis revealed that the majority of students, those who were not operating at a formal level of development, may have done more harm than…

Studies of the hierarchical attainment of conservation of physics concepts revealed significant differences with respect to age, sex, and grade level in a random sample of seventh and eighth grade students. Conservation of a quantity did not necessarily depend on the prior conservation of its constituent fundamental quantities. (MLH)

A survey of 45 public high schools in Florida shows an extremely low enrollment of black students in science courses. Suggests that vague career aspirations, parental and counselor roles, and perhaps a certain degree of racism account for the enrollment figures. (MLH)