Addresses the problem that students balk at the notion velocities do not add algebraically. Offers a geometric model to verify the algebraic formulas that calculate velocity addition. Representations include Galilean relativity, Einstein's composition of velocities, and the inverse velocity transformation. (MDH)

Interactive computerized tests accepting unrestricted natural-language input were used to assess knowledge of clinical biophysics at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Comparison of responses to open-ended sequential questions and multiple-choice questions on the same material found the two formats test different aspects of competence.…

A technique for studying various properties of soap bubbles subjected to deformation, accompanied by some representative experiments to illustrate the versatility of the method, is presented. The measurement of the change of force that occurs when a bubble is stretched is calculated. (KR)

A graphical illustration is presented indicating how the mean proportional (geometric mean), once established for one set of conditions of a geometric identity, can be used to generate other sets of conditions for the same identity. Exemplified is the application of this principle in developing graphical solutions to engineering problems. (JJK)

Presents several electricity activities for developing student's science process skills of observation and inference. (PR)

Describes a student project to build a car powered by the energy in a mousetrap as part of a unit on simple machines. (PR)

Presents a three-lesson unit that uses fractal geometry to measure the coastline of Massachusetts. Two lessons provide hands-on activities utilizing compass and grid methods to perform the measurements and the third lesson analyzes and explains the results of the activities. (MDH)

Describes a science competition challenge that has students solve several hands-on physical science problems, thus reinforcing both problem-solving skills and science knowledge. (PR)

Describes a structure building activity using cocktail straws for helping students understand force and vectors. (PR)

Describes a teaching-exchange visit between the United Kingdom and the United States that reveals the dangers of making too many cultural assumptions. Differences can be traced to long-term cultural divergence and different technologies. (DDR)

Outlines an in-depth case study of teachers' use of image processing in biology, earth science, and physics classes in one high school science department. Explores issues surrounding technology implementation. Contains 21 references. (DDR)

Relates that concerns about the dropout rate among physics majors at the University of Montreal (Canada) led to a study of student persistence. Indicates that those who dropped out and those who stayed differed in their perceptions of their skills and knowledge, and their confidence in finishing the program. Presents preliminary recommendations.…

Describes "Reaching for the Stars," a program which develops teaming and mentoring skills in senior physics students. Phase 1 requires student pairs to design a rocket; Phase 2 pairs seniors with gifted second graders who build the rocket from written instructions; and in Phase 3, pairs of seniors create a children's storybook explaining…

Describes a physics laboratory exercise that focuses on an idea common to all scientific disciplines; that is, there are scaling laws that relate one measurable physical variable to another. (WRM)

Reports on procedural and conceptual knowledge for solving a basic quantitative problem in chemistry by expert and novice secondary school students. Concludes that the major differences between experts and novices lay in conceptual understanding, use of a qualitative procedure, and the type of strategy used. Suggests some instructional techniques…