Reviews apparatus design and instructional uses for Fume Cupboard Monitor, Plant Tissue Culture Kit, various equipment for electronic systems course, Welwyn Microprocessor-Tutor, Sweep Function Generator SFG 606, and Harris manufacturers materials--Regulated Power Supply Units, Electronic Current and Voltage Meters, Gas Preparation Kit, and…

Describes a method to demonstrate induction heating by placing an ordinary mercury thermometer in a high frequency magnetic field and observing the temperature rise. Also describes an ice calorimeter for measuring the mechanical equivalent of heat. (SK)

Examines the state of physics in 1931, the predicted and actual states of physics in 1981, and predictions for 2031. Focuses on general conditions such as economy, energy (fossil, solar, nuclear fission, fusion), physics research, and physics publications. (JN)

A National Academy of Sciences conference was held in October, 1981 in Washington, D.C. to provide dialogs with key government officials and to suggest alternatives for wise allocation of limited resources to control damage to the United States' scientific and technological enterprise. Viewpoints and key recommendations are reported. (JN)

Describes the diffusion of water molecules with terminology adopted from the physical sciences. Presents a set of student exercises (with answers) relating to the topic. (SK)

Summarizes "you do it" activities presented at the 1978 South Australian Science Teachers Association Conference. Topics include microscope use and maintenance, chemical slide cells, chemical models, sound waves, microwaves, astronomy, plant keys, reading geological maps, and natural dye processes. (DS)

Structure of physics can be treated as an instructional variable by teachers who make the choices: defined versus derived concepts, operational versus paraphrase definitions, and theoretical versus empirical relationships. Operational definitions and empirical relationships are recommended for beginning students; paraphrase definitions and…

Discusses various topics in microelectronics to aid those teaching modern electronics for the first time, including, among others, the slang name "micro," attitudes of examining boards, rapid obsolescence of electronic devices, costs, analog systems, and digital systems. (SK)

Many didactical difficulties encountered in contemporary school physics are due to an outdated philosophy of science as illustrated by the energy concept, an example of a theoretical term which cannot be defined operationally with the help of simple measurement operations. (Author/DS)

Offers reasons why microelectronics and computing should be combined and offered as a specialized course, different from both physics and mathematics. Includes course content and discusses subject combinations within school science and technology departments. (Author/SK)

Discusses the effect of silhouetting a vertical vibrating string against a television screen. The article also reports the usefulness of the effect in tuning stringed instruments and as a possible basis for lecture demonstrations and student discussions and investigations. (HM)

Discusses three ways of recruiting more physics teachers in the United Kingdom. (HM)

Describes an introductory physics laboratory course, used at the University of California in Berkeley, designed to teach students some general intellectual skills. Results of the course evaluation are also discussed. (HM)

Describes how a group of teachers of high school and university physics in the Chicago area exchange new ideas and teaching techniques with each other. (HM)

Presents results of a survey of undergraduate physics students which was conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in order to ascertain the students' career goals, perceptions of the job market in physics, and reasons for pursuing a degree in physics. (HM)