Highlights the need to make the undergraduate physics laboratory more exciting and commensurate with the time assigned for it in the curriculum. Suggests establishing a model undergraduate physics laboratory at one place then reproducing it in five places for a massive reorientation program for teachers. Contains brief outlines of 30 experiments…

Describes a simple computer-interfaced experiment for recording the response of an RC network to direct current and square input signals. Undertakes a systematic qualitative and quantitative analysis for the high- and low-pass configurations. Suggests some examples of open-ended problems to develop a feel for circuit behavior. (AIM)

A study compared 17 preschoolers, 18 7-year-olds, 17 10-year-olds, and 21 children with autism and 21 age-matched controls. Children with autism preferred to employ physical causality when reasoning about novel physical and psychological events. A multiple-choice task confirmed their impairment in intuitive psychology while highlighting superior…

Presents and analyzes a detailed example of classroom dialogues such as peer instruction, and describes the format, procedures, and curricular materials required for creating the desired lecture-room environment. (Contains 94 references.) (Author/YDS)

Identifies communication difficulties between students and students and instructors as important sources of barriers to achieving high-quality student practice. Proposes some strategies to address communication difficulties in the context of small-group, in-class problem solving. (Contains 36 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes a series of activities exploring Leonardo da Vinci's tree theory that are designed to strengthen 8th grade students' data collection and problem solving skills in physical science classes. (KHR)

Reports the results of an investigation into factors associated with variations in students' ability to achieve conceptual learning gains in a physics course that employs interactive-engagement methods. Explores the correlation between students' normalized learning gains and their initial level of physics concept knowledge, pre-instruction…

Instructions for the construction of this instrument and its use are presented. The use of common materials is emphasized. (CW)

Discussed is the teaching of physics with an emphasis on the learning of concepts before problem solving. Examples of this approach are provided. (CW)

The school system, programs, textbooks, teachers, supplemental studies, and special schools of the Soviet Union are discussed from the point of view of two Soviet students. Secondary school and college education are the primary focus. (CW)

Presented are two cases of simple geometrical calculations involving the large numbers of atoms that are encountered in two ordinary situations. Included are questions about the spatial implications of the genome and a mole of hydrogen. (CW)

The solution to this problem is discussed using the same calculations as when calculating the temperature of a planet. The confirmation of these calculations by doing an experiment is described. (CW)

The experience of one high school in New York State offering physics to freshmen is described. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are discussed. Curriculum alternatives within the New York State guidelines are presented. (CW)

Significant information on the relative thickness of plutons, the structure of poorly exposed or concealed magnetic units, and possible evidence of mineralized ground are discussed. The techniques used to produce images that reveal the new information are described. A list of 34 references is included. (CW)

Presented is a science activity which explains the discrepancies found between summer and winter solstice sunrise and sunset times. Used is a mathematical equation which takes into account the earth's changing speed and the tilt of the earth. (KR)