Thermal imagers are able to form images of scenes because the thermal emissions from different elements of the scene as viewed by the imager differ from each other. Several demonstrations with a thermal imager and a discussion of Count Rumford's 1807 experiment are presented. (JM)

Describes the measurement of refractive index of laser light using a glass plate, prism, and a ruler. Discusses the application of Snell's law to the activity. (JM)

Discusses use of the fine-beam cathode-ray tube to investigate strength and direction of the earth's magnetic field, simulating discussion between student and teacher as the equipment is set up and the experiment done. Provides diagrams and illustrative photographs to aid in equipment set-up and measurement. (JM)

Describes a series of writing exercises specifically designed to improve students' comprehension of physics. Students are given a RAFT which defines their role, audience, format, and task. Format for writing essays focuses on key ideas, general ideas, specific cases, and additional insights. (JM)

The administrative structure of the physics department in a major European technical university is described, particularly with regard to the organization of teaching and research functions. The department is subdivided into an institute of theoretical physics and several institutes of experimental physics, with a more important subdivision into…

Describes use of a slide presentation as a year-end review. Student responses to the presentation (which included slides of students engaged in physics activities) were extremely favorable. (JN)

Examines techniques used to make ultrasensitive spectroscopic measurements. They include excitation, thermal lens, photo acoustic, and ionization spectroscopies. Guidelines and methods are provided for each technique; common uses and applications are explained. (DH)

Describes an apparatus developed for photochemical studies, particularly those involving the fluorescence of halogenated acetones. The apparatus is constructed from equipment normally found in a moderately sized physical chemical laboratory. Also provides background information on some aspects of the photophysics of halogenated propanones. (JN)

Charles Pine, CASE's Professor of the Year, is a professor who gets students to know and love math and physics and who has emerged as a leading teacher of math teachers. It started when Pine found that his students couldn't do the math involved in his physics classes. (MLW)

The use of a microcomputer as the basis of a multichannel analyzer (MCA) system is described. Principles of microcomputer MCA, choice of microcomputer, input-output port, data display, MCA program, and interrupt routine (with flowchart) are the topic areas considered. (JN)

Discusses major events leading to the development of the octet rule. Three conclusions based on the work of Mendeleev, Abegg, Thompson, Kossel, Lewis, and Langmuir are considered as is the debate over the rule's validity. (JN)

Describes a demonstration in which the pattern on a rotating turntable can be affected by humming and adjusting the pitch of the hum. At some frequency, if conditions are right, the pattern can be stopped, or "strobed." Also describes a way to introduce humor into physics instruction. (JN)

Describes the nature of gradient refractive index (GRIN) lenses, focusing on refraction in these materials, focal length of a thin Wood lens, and on manufacturing of such lenses. Indicates that GRIN lenses of small cross section are in limited production with applications suggested for optical communication and photocopying fields. (JN)

This article presents selected results gained by studies which deal directly or indirectly with evaluation of physics instruction at the secondary education level in the Federal Republic of Germany. (PN)

Several activities focusing on the elasticity of rubber bands and chalk are described. Explanations for the observations noted are included. (JN)