This report issued by the American Institute of Physics presents data on various aspects of the physics academic workforce. For the school year 1997-98, the institute measured the number of physics faculty, number of women faculty, turnover rates, retirement rates, new hires, frozen positions, and faculty recruitment efforts. Data suggest that the…

This report, covering 6,063 physics faculty, is part of an annual national survey of faculty salaries. The survey is in two parts: one covering public and one covering private four-year colleges and universities. Data for the l995-96 baseline year and 1998-99 trend year were collected for full-time teaching faculty in 53 selected academic…

A physics program within which students design their own experiments and construct the needed equipment is described. Different projects and equipment designed and built by the students are detailed as examples of the success of this program. (JP)

Presents a list of topics, research areas, references, and laboratory equipment which is prepared to facilitate general-science students' understanding of physics aspects in accelerated reference frames after their study of circular motion and Galilean relativity in mechanics. (CC)

Describes the conduct of a self-contained course designed for biology, chemistry, and physics majors, particularly liberal arts seniors, with introductory physics and biology or chemistry as its prerequisites. (CC)

Discusses a science fiction (SF) course conducted twice at Heidelberg College with lists of readings and supplementary aids presented. Indicates that the SF offerings are generally classified into three types and have the value of stimulating students' interests in science and its impact on civilization. (CC)

Thirty-four physics teacher from 23 states and two foreign countries participated in an intensive two-week course in lecture demonstrations. Mornings were spent brainstorming to suggest possible demonstrations, afternoons were devoted to presenting demonstrations to group. (DF)

Highlights major accomplishments, developments, and research in the sciences during 1982, focusing on the space sciences, astronomy, medicine, biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, environment, and zoology. Includes a brief statement of the 1982 Nobel Prize winners' research in medicine, chemistry, and physics. (JN)

Discusses four phases in the development of a simulation. These include a definition of the simulated universe (including parameters and boundary conditions), mathematical description of the mode, and programing and testing the simulation. Also discusses the development of a physics simulation, focusing on each of the four phases. (JN)

Describes apparatus, computer program (for Apple II), and procedures used in an experiment to determine the velocity of sound in air. In addition, the experiment focuses on the attention required in calibrating equipment and the measuring of both long distances and very short time intervals. (JN)

Discusses seven energy frameworks (such as human-centered energy, energy as an ingredient, energy as a product, and energy as an obvious activity), illustrated by extracts taken from transcripts of students interviewed by the interview-about-instances approach. Considers difficulty in effecting as well as methods for creating conceptual change.…

Discusses the process of problem solving, stressing the iterative nature of the process and the importance of communication (explaining problems to others). Provides examples of physics/physical sciences problems useful in problem-solving competitions. Also provides examples of problems to be solved in school over several weeks. Lists of materials…

Parts 1 and 2 (SE 524 424 and 527 089) described Flesch readability for determining a text's reading level and results of applying the test to astronomy/physics textbooks. This part presents results for a new sample of texts, including calculus-level texts. A comparison with high school physics texts is provided. (JM)