Provides historical examples of intuitive discovery applicable to the teaching of physics for majors. Cites details for the discovery of Coulomb's law, emphasizing the roles of Joseph Priestley and Henry Cavendish. Also discusses the career of Ivar Giaever, a Nobel Prize winner of 1973 in solid state physics. (CS)

Described is the interview-about-instances method used to gain insight into children's and adults' views of the world and the meanings people have for the words they use in explaining their views. Physics teachers can utilize this technique to become aware of the various concept understandings pupils bring to physics classrooms. (DS)

Described is an apparatus for determining the Curie temperature of a Ferromagnetic material which enables large specimens to be heated up to a maximum of 1100K in 20 minutes. Included is the theory, magnetic circuit apparatus, electrical circuit, and results using this apparatus. (DS)

Considers several cosmological facts that relate to formulating accurate models about the universe, including the red shift, the unbounded universe, and the curvature of space. (CS)

Describes details of the construction of a simple compact schlieren experimental setup as an instructional aid. This new optical method is easy to apply, noninterfering, nondestructive, free from inertia, and can produce instantaneous records of transient phenomena, and is comparatively inexpensive. (Author/SK)

Describes an apparatus that uses a microcomputer as a timing device in which the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) is measured. Diagrams of a circuit for timing measurements and a flow chart of a program that measures COR are provided. A list of COR for some common objects is also included. (CS)

The cause and effect model of research and application was first discredited in physics by the uncertainty principle. The same dramatic shift in outlook that the uncertainty principle necessitated among physical scientists is long overdue among those committed to the enhancement of the unique world of the person. (Author)

An analogy, which has been drawn between black hole physics and thermodynamics, is mathematically broadened in this article. Equations similar to the standard partial differential relations of thermodynamics are found for black holes. The results can be used to supplement an undergraduate thermodynamics course. (Author/SK)

Discusses the electric field line pattern for four equal charges of the same sign placed at the corners of a square. The electric field intensity and the point of equilibrium are interpreted, taking into account three dimensions. (HM)

Presents the construction, operation, and theory of a Sargent-Welch scattering apparatus. Procedures for using the apparatus are also presented for high school teachers. (HM)

Described is the present education of secondary school physics teachers in the Netherlands. (CS)

The author describes, in a highly personal manner, physics teaching in a rural school. Topics detailed include: program descriptions, teaching methods, textbook selection and adoption procedures, teaching load, and the problems associated with teaching in a school district with limited funds. (BT)

Describes a student investigation of a reverse flame in a atmosphere of methane that won second place in the physics division of the International Science and Engineering Fair. Includes a discussion of falling and fracturing behavior, specifically dealing with chimneys, trees, pencil point, stirring rods, and chalk. (BT)

Discusses how holography can be used as part of undergraduate physics laboratories. The authors propose a single beam technique of holography, which will reduce the recording scheme as well as relax the isolation requirements. (HM)

Discusses the great dependence of the present arms race on a healthy physics enterprise and the pervasive connections between pure and applied science and military needs. This discussion is intended to orient college students about some problems directly related to progress made in science. (HM)