Discusses several properties of liquid crystal displays. Includes instructions for demonstrating liquid crystalline phase, ordering of the long axes of molecules along one direction, and electro-optic effects. The latter is accomplished with the use of an overhead projector following preparation of a sandwich cell. (JN)

Mathematical modelling and an example used with undergraduates were presented in part 1 (v17, n5, p212-18, 1982). A second example, Power from Windmills, is provided which has considerable potential for development both as a model and as a series of modelling experiences of increasing difficulty for students with different backgrounds. (Author/JN)

A simple apparatus (constructed of glass) for measuring surface tension is described. Procedures and typical results are included. (JN)

Highlights major science news stories of 1982 reported in "Science News." Categories include space/astronomy, biology, chemistry, medicine, energy, physics, anthropology/paleontology, earth sciences, technology, behavior, science/society, and the environment. (JN)

Describes rationale, need, and purpose of three lists of objectives (included in appendices) of objectives for skills and abilities related to experimental, practical work in biology, chemistry, and physics. (SK)

Briefly describes three science experiments: (1) universal curve for tape times; (2) depiction of magnetic fields; and (3) alpha particle detection by a Kodak LR 115:II plastic film. (SK)

Suggests a scientific approach for teaching problem solving that would aim at understanding the underlying cognitive mechanisms responsible for good problem solving and would then use the resulting insights to design explicit instructions for enhancing student's problem solving skills. (Author/SK)

Describes a single-concept program on alternating current series circuits that does not use the question and answer format usually associated with computer assisted instruction. The method serves a dual purpose, when used by the student as a final self-check of his/her understanding and by the teacher as a classroom demonstration. (Author/SK)

Lists the following information about physics courses in 121 colleges and universities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: honors degree courses, special entry requirements, course structure, and miscellaneous notes. (CS)

Lists the following information about physics courses in eight colleges and universities in Scotland: honors degree courses, special entry requirements, course structure, and miscellaneous notes. (CS)

Traces the development of college physics laboratories. Discusses the motivating forces that produced these laboratories, sources of experiments and the first and most influential laboratory manual prepared by E. C. Pickering for use at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (JN)

In the 1930s, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar found a fundamental parameter that determines the density of stars. Although recognized as a major discovery, it was generally unaccepted by astronomers because the work was ridiculed by a preeminent astronomer (Arthur Eddington). The controversy and current understanding of stellar evolution are discussed.…

Describes the heating of a baby's milk bottle (an exercise in modelling) and the interaction between lecturer and students as they formulate the problem, produce a tentative solution and interpret the solution. (Author/JN)

Describes: (1) an apparatus which provides a simple method for measuring Stefan's constant; (2) a simple phase shifting circuit; (3) a radioactive decay computer program (for ZX81); and (4) phase difference between transformer voltages. (Author/JN)

Discusses a common misconception in the area of electric circuits at the level of introductory college physics. The data, collected from clinical interviews, shed light on the cognitive sources of misconception. Also discusses some implications for laboratory approaches used in science courses. (Author/SK)