Describes how to convert a wooden block into an apparatus to study friction. (LS)

Indicates that integration between mathematics and physics must include cooperation at the planning stage and explains the use of a precedence diagram to reduce the mismatch between the two subjects. (GS)

Describes how to build a Van de Graaff Electrostatic Generator for less than $25.00; includes information on experiments and demonstrations that can be performed with this piece of equipment. (BR)

Describes the use of original research reports as a basis for classroom discussion. Concepts of the nature of evidence and inference can be treated in depth by means of classroom analysis of evidence. (Author/GS)

For several years physics faculty at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) have taught physics to pre-service elementary and middle school teachers in an unusual location: the local elementary school! The participating pre-service elementary and middle school teachers are typically in their last semester and are fully immersed in their…

Summarizes the results of a 1969 experiment survey made for learning the impact of special publications and the trend of experimentation in colleges. Describes some new or modified apparatus that has appared since the 1956 survey. (GS)

This final report summarizes work done to formulate and test some cognitively-based principles useful for designing instruction in scientific or engineering fields. These principles stress the coherence and interpretability of the knowledge acquired by students. The principles were specifically applied to: (1) analyze the underlying knowledge and…

This document outlines the use of machine-scorable open-ended questions for the evaluation of Physics 30 in Alberta. Contents include: (1) an introduction to the questions; (2) sample instruction sheet; (3) fifteen sample items; (4) item information including the key, difficulty, and source of each item; (5) solutions to items having multiple…

This report examines possible national indicators for learning outcomes in the individual disciplines of higher education. It consists of versions of five project final reports, each underscoring a distinct approach to developing a model in the context of a specific discipline. Each model applies, however, to several similar disciplines. Stressed…

Nationwide data are provided on the 1987 salaries of members of each of the American Institute of Physics' 10 member societies. Of the approximately 13,600 society members who were mailed a questionnaire, 61% responded. Data are presented by: degree level, type of employer, gender, salaries for PhDs by geographic location, PhD salaries by…

This paper discusses the physical principles behind the flying ability of both kites and airplanes. This background material was developed for a program in which a Japanese kite maker conducts kite making and flying classes in the Japan School District Elementary Schools of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS), Pacific Region. The…

With the advent of inexpensive microcomputers, the availability of microcomputers in the schools has mushroomed. Teacher training in the use of microcomputers has not kept pace with the increased availability of computers. There is little current information about how physics and physical science teachers actually use microcomputers in their…

Designed to examine the factors that contribute to student achievement, this study focused specifically on the relationship between physics achievement and selected teacher characteristics, student characteristics, and school and district characteristics. Questionnaires and attitude surveys were completed by 39 randomly selected Mississippi…

Described is the development and initial assessment of a forgiveable loan program designed to attract qualified students into a teacher education program to prepare for teaching mathematics in middle or high schools. The program was established in 1983 at Austin College by the King Foundation. Five qualified students a year may be awarded a King…

A course was developed to help science teachers in Mississippi teach physics. Most of those teaching the subject were inexperienced in physics, had limited background in the subject, and were in need of help. The course provided these teachers with a deeper understanding of physics principles, emphasized problem-solving strategies, and included…