Presents the aims of the University of Amsterdam's Center for Research into Higher Education and describes two projects: (1) PLATO Pilot Project Amsterdam, a university-wide program in computer-assisted instruction; and (2) "Exercise in Chemical Problem-Solving," computer simulations designed to aid students in developing problem-solving…

A learning cycle involves the active participation of students in exploration, invention, and application phases. Describes one such learning cycle dealing with classification of matter and designed to provide students with an understanding of the terms: atom, molecule, element, compound, solution, and heterogeneous matter. (Author/JN)

Describes the use of microcomputers in data acquisition and simulation of physical phenomena. Discusses digital and analog inputs/outputs, simulations, and interactive programs in mechanics. Includes examples of computer programs. (SK)

Described is a study to determine the long-range impact of the Pennsylvania Nuclear Science Prolect. Findings include that fewer than one-half participants are still teaching the pilot program, that school/teachers who "dropped out" averaged three years from initial involvement, and that student interest and scheduling problems are two…

Discussed are several suggestions for the maintenance of a science self-paced classroom. Topics include the use of computers for student self-assessment, teachers and students roles in the self-paced classroom, and laboratory setup and packaging in the self-paced science laboratory. (Author/DS)

Discusses simplified experiments in which sinusoidal signals are detected when a laser beam is sent into a photodiode. (HM)

This research news article on microelectronics discusses the scientific challenge the integrated circuit industry will have in the next decade, for designing the complicated microcircuits made possible by advancing miniaturization technology. (HM)

Identified are common features of the present implementation of new school physics teaching in Southeast Asia. Implementation aids, methods, and teacher comprehension, student cognitive levels, learning styles, and a more functional physics curriculum are discussed. (DS)

Summarizes the advantages in using the Daedalon Air Table, which supplies compressed air to the pucks instead of the table surface itself. Describes methods for constructing an electronic null detector using a Weston type galvanometer and an integrated circuit operational amplifier. Also describes a redesigned and improved sound-level meter. (CS)

Different programs have been developed for the simulation of physics experiments by using TI-57 programmable calculators. Two of these programs, describing the simulation of a successive radioactive decay and the random motion of a gas molecule, are presented. (Author/SK)

Discussed are three aspects of the development of computer-aided learning materials: (1) reconstructing a beginning college physics course to be more efficient and flexible; (2) exploring simulations and learning sequences not usually accessible to students; (3) dissemination of project ideas to administrators and faculty elsewhere. (CS)

Described is a workshop for graduate students and faculty members that focused on improvement of teaching methods. Topics included were: common weaknesses of inexperienced lecturers, diagnosing teaching weaknesses, elements of a good lecture, creating an atmosphere of participation, Piaget's developmental psychology, behavioral objectives,…

The author describes activities he uses with secondary school science students to learn about their reasoning. (Author/SA)

The issue of observability and the relative roles of the senses and reason in understanding the world is reviewed. Eastern "mystical" philosophy serves as a focus in which interpretations of quantum mechanics, as well as the current bootstrap-quark controversy are seen in some slightly different contexts. (Author/GA)

Describes a physics course designed for nonscience majors citing some observations, ideas, and methods that were used in teaching the course and in motivating the students. (GA)