Many secondary/college textbook authors define current explicitly or implicitly, by the diagrams, in terms of negative-charge motion. Discusses several reasons why the "conventional current" direction is preferred. (JN)

Describes a laboratory designed to give students practical experiences with experimental phenomena discussed in lectures, focusing on laboratory organization and typical experiment. In addition to a list of experiments, three exercises are discussed: fluorescence/laser, ferromagnetic domains, and thermal population (which uses PET computer…

The Physics Plus Project is producing a series of pamphlets designed to supplement existing curricula with physics application topics (such as physics of sports, motor cars, weather, medical physics, energy). Discusses rationale for the projects, pamphlet production, distribution to schools, and use of pamphlet material on examinations. (JM)

Discusses the physics of liquid crystal displays (LCD) which is based on polarizing properties of crystals controlled by electric command. Production of alphanumerics, display control, and input are considered. (JM)

Describes the construction of a small (portable), inexpensive, and easy to build Foucault pendulum. Includes photographs of the apparatus, a schematic of the electrical circuit used, and discussion of the amount of accuracy to be expected during classroom investigation. (JM)

Presents an experimental comparison of the efficacy of two neutron sources under conditions commonly used in laboratory experiments for demonstrating neutron activation of liquid samples. (Author)

Lists physics courses at universities, colleges of education and technology, and polytechnics in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Includes honors degree courses, course structure, special entry requirements (if any), special notes, and name of contact person. (SK)

Four ways in which microcomputers can be turned into laboratory instruments are discussed. These include adding an analog/digital (A/D) converter on a printed circuit board, adding an external A/D converter using the computer's serial port, attaching transducers to the game paddle ports, or connecting an instrument to the computer. (JN)

A large-scale computer managed training program in problem-solving in applied mathematics and basic physics for first-year medical students at the University of Leuven is described. Students do calculations away from the terminals, but are corrected and evaluated at terminals. Some tentative results are presented. (Author/MSE)

Highlights six papers presented at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982). Topics addressed included history, status, and future of SI units, algebra of SI units, periodic table, new standard-state pressure unit, and suggested new names for mole concept ("numerity" and "chemical amount"). (JN)

Investigated what physics students (N=38) recalled from reading text material related to energy transfer. Four different groups of students, each recalling different sets of propositions, were identified suggesting that science educators cannot assume that all students in a class will recall identical information from the assignment of a reading…

Suggestions are provided for making measurements with a Michelson interferometer (a useful tool for demonstrating the wave nature of light). By placing a lens between a television camera and interferometer, an appropriate image will be produced on a monitor. A representative photograph of TV monitor pattern is also provided. (JN)

Detection of neutrino decay may have profound consequences for both particle physics and cosmology, providing a deep connection between physics of the very large and physics of the very small. Describes this link and discusses the nature and status of the search for decaying neutrinos. (Author/JN)

Describes typical electrostatic toys which may be used to show students phenomena associated with sparks, sudden drops in potential, induction, and forces between bodies of like and opposite charges. Many of these demonstrations are suitable for student projects. (Author/JN)

Discusses experiences in teaching high school physics in the Cameroon. Comments on the educational system, the school, instructional strategies, materials/equipment, and the author's personal experiences teaching in this developing country. (JN)