Describes a system of small electronic modules suitable to teach digital electronics, construct digital systems for the instrumentation of standard experiments, or, teach analog electronics. Explains both the design of the modules, and some of the instructional uses of the system. (GA)

Describes a simple experiment for measuring the speed of sound using a partially filled beer bottle as a resonator. Outlines and discusses the approximations made in arriving at the procedure. (GA)

Information from a small survey of physics textbooks suggests that girls are underrepresented in the text and in illustrations. Suggests that if the pattern is apparent in all physics textbooks, then this may be an indication of the cause of a paucity of girls in the physical sciences. (SA)

Discusses ways in which to help students solve problems effectively. On the basis of her observations of novice and expert problem solvers, the author suggests teaching the processes used by the experts directly to the students. (SA)

Details general procedures to be followed for getting science to the public. Considerations discussed include: choosing the topic, knowing your audience and assignment, using the media, translating the physics, and additional aids in effective presentation. The procedures outlined are utilized in the preparations for a solar eclipse day. (BT)

This paper, presented at the conference on the role of the laboratory in physics education which was held in Oxford, England in July 1978, describes how a Malaysian University has presented electronics and the laboratory work as a forced component in physics curriculum. (HM)

A description of an apparatus for demonstrating the trajectory of a charged particle, is given. A photograph of the equipment used in the demonstrations accompanies the text. (SA)

Described is an advanced undergraduate laboratory experiment in which radio-frequency transitions between molecular hyperfine structure states may be observed. Aspects of the quantum theory applied to the analysis of this physical system, are discussed. (Authors/BT)

Briefly assesses the state of physics education over the past 50 years, and explains what is believed to be the necessary direction that should be taken in the immediate future. (GA)

Describes a Web-based reference tool developed at the John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to meet the information needs of researchers. Offers practical advice to other librarians interested in providing a similar service. (Author/AEF)

Compared Introductory Physical Science (IPS) and Modified approaches to teaching physics concepts. Found that students' preinstruction ideas of matter and density were organized in commonsense theories that constrained understanding of density. Both curricula promoted quantitative understanding of mass, volume, and density, but the Modified…

Presents a study that investigated relationships between gender, interest, and experience in electricity. Also explored the effect of conceptual change text manipulations on learning fundamental concepts of direct current. Suggests that conceptual change text manipulations are likely to be effective for both men and women. Contains 57 references.…

Recommends a constructivist approach to physics laboratory activities to make laboratories a place for personal maturation and cognitive growth. Describes class design in which ideas and techniques are exchanged which allow students the opportunity to initiate investigations based on early conceptual assumptions, and extend the investigation…

Presents a selection of Web-based reference resources in the earth and physical sciences, focusing in particular on geology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and weather. Sites listed are those likely to be of broad interest, and most or all of the contents of the resources listed are available for free. (Author)

Distance education courses available on the World Wide Web can be text-based e-mail classes or interactive multimedia presentations. Highlights two interactive multimedia sites for physics and provides addresses for similar sites offering distance learning. Discusses considerations for getting an interactive multimedia course on the Web for…