This publication is a compilation of examples of practical, easily implemented activities to help mathematics, science, and education faculty duplicate efforts by the Rocky Mountain Teacher Education Collaborative (RMTEC) to reform and revise curriculum for preservice educators. Activities are organized by content areas: mathematics; geology,…

The physics learning problem that students usually regard equations and other symbols in physics as algebraic exercises rather than representations of real world phenomena is commonly known. This article discusses how the Web-based interactive instructional materials were used to help students connect the symbolic world and the real world. The…

This study examines the changes in students' conceptual thinking and problem solving abilities. Conceptual thinking skills and problem solving abilities are important factors for medical school applicants as diagnosis and treatment procedures strongly depend on these skills. Underrepresented minorities in medicine is a concern in United States,…

College courses that are taught without any technology are part of the past. With software that can do almost any mathematics including calculus, traditional teaching, with the instructor as all-knowing, is obsolete. In this paper, a comparison is made between business mathematics courses and general physics courses taught at a small private…

Among teachers of mathematics throughout the world there has recently been manifested a notable increase of interest in all educational work. This interest is due in part to the present general agitation in every educational line, in part to the influence of such related departments as physics, in part to the increased demands of industry, and in…

Describes how the Physics Department at the State University of New York at Stonybrook has attempted to provide a new model for working with elementary schools and assisting them in introducing science materials. (Author/TS)

Identified personality traits (extroversion/introversion and neuroticism/stability) that distinguish medical technologists (N=83) and college-level biology, chemistry, and physics teachers (N=57) using the Eysnck Personality Inventory. Also compared personality profiles of these subjects using Holland's Vocational Preference Inventory. Results and…

Part 1 (SE 533 869) traced history of physics textbooks and discussed texts produced from 1850 to 1870. This part examines aims/methods of physics teaching, textbook style, and cognitive/affective aspects of physics textbooks. Factors that influence the writing and preparation of the texts are also considered. (JM)

Suggestions are provided for demonstrating vector cross product and vector dot product using manipulatives. Also provides a method for producing quick and inexpensive diffraction slits and ideas for demonstrating two-dimensional diffraction. (JM)

Describes a project designed to develop 50 tutorial lessons for students having difficulty with specific types of physics problems. Because the intent was to tutor problem solving rather than teach physics concepts, lessons were designed for use after classroom instruction had occurred. Includes project goals, development, implementation, results,…

Discusses the development of and teaching of a physics teacher education course in Iraq. Includes comments on students preparing to become physics teachers and problem/successes associated with the course. (JN)

The Center for the History of Chemistry (CHOC), located at the University of Pennsylvania, was officially inaugurated in March 1983. Highlights inaugural ceremonies; discusses CHOC aims, activities, and exhibits. Includes comments on Center for Physics History, industry role in perserving corporate history, chemists honored on United States…

Describes a simulation in which students play roles of computer parts. Also describes cartesian divers and eye imagers prepared from empty detergent bottles and old 35-mm film cans respectively. Suggests using the divers and imagers as free give-aways during meetings or workshops. (JN)

Discusses problems associated with teaching physics in English and students' native languages. Reviews studies on the topic, including Whorf's linguistic relativity. Includes suggestions for further research. (SK)

Outlines several laboratory procedures and demonstrations including electric fields using sawdust, experiments with capacitors, particle spacing in a vapor and a liquid, metrology, momentum, Moire patterns and interference fringes, equipping for practical electronics, and using programmable calculators for rapid plotting of graphs. (DS)