Reports findings of a survey of British universities (N=27) and polytechnics and colleges (N=30) which investigated reasons for a 75 percent (1979-80 and 1980-81) increase in the numbers of students training to teach physics. Presents information on sex, age, degrees, interesting cases, and size of groups. (DC)

Describes mathematics of the nonliner relationships between a constant-speed, capstan-driven magnetic tape transport mechanism and a constant-angular-velocity take-up reel. The relationship, derived from the sum of a partial, serves in recognition of a finite tape. Thickness can serve as an example of rotational kinematics. (Author/SK)

Provides an annotated list of books, textbooks, and films on superfluid helium. Also lists research reports/reviews arranged by category, including among others, early history, microscopic understanding, ions in helium, helium in rotation, vortices and quantization, helium films and constricted geometrics, persistence flow, and superfluid helium…

Suggesting a distinction between student attitudes toward science as a school subject (SUBATT) and toward the social implications of science (SOCATT), reports results of a study using various measures focusing on SOCATT and SUBATT of approximately 2,200 students in 33 schools, including findings related to sex differences. (DS)

Following a brief introduction, an annotated listing of literature and teaching aids on lasers is presented. Categories include: Background Materials; Historical References; General References and Textbooks; Specialized References; Reviews; Articles; Films; Laser Courses; Equipment, Demonstrations, and Experiments; Laser Safety; and Lasers and…

Describes the reconstruction of a conventional thermodynamics curriculum using the Galperin theory of stage-by-stage formation of mental actions and Landa's description of the "through" systematization of knowledge, and discusses the generalizability of the procedures followed in developing the plan for instruction. A 33-item…

Discussions are presented for implementing photoacoustic spectroscopy as a technique for describing the photoacoustic effect. This technique makes it possible to study optical absorption in samples which are usually difficult to study. It is suggested that this approach makes understanding of the photoacoustic effect accessible even at the…

This is a discussion of the conservation of angular momentum of the human body engaged in somersaults and twists. The principle is also applied to a cat turning over in midair. The events occur in the absence of torques. Application of the maneuvers are suggested for astronauts. (SA)

The quality of supervision received by postgraduate students has been seen as a considerable problem. It is proposed that the concept of classification and framing used by Bernstein can be adapted to the matching process needed between supervisor and student. (Author/MLW)

Presents examples of sex bias in the illustrations, questions, and texts of a selection of recently published physics textbooks. Indicates that in spite of the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975, some texts are clearly biased such that physics is presented as a male rather than female subject. (SK)

Reviews various factors related to women in technology, including recruitment procedures, student background, retention problems, and the role of the Open University. (SK)

Derives a familiar torque-angular momentum theorem for the electromagnetic field, and includes the intrinsic torques exerted by the fields on the polarized medium. This inclusion leads to the expressions for the intrinsic angular momentum carried by the radiation traveling through a charge-free medium. (Author/MA)

Explains why failure to distinguish clearly between three concepts: a vector, its components, and its representatives, renders understanding of how the representations of the rotation group are constructed from products of the spin-half representation, difficult to comprehend. (Author/GA)

Presents general directions on how the Swedish university physics curricula should be designed to meet future needs. How to improve the cooperation between industry and university is also discussed. (HM)

Author believes that the nuclear fuel cycle is damaging to our health, physical system, ecosystem, and social system. He recommends reversing the trend toward nuclear power and solving the energy crisis by creating a global society able to live in balance with its physical environment. Journal available from 7 Harwood Drive, Amherst, New York…