Describes characteristics of and instructional strategies related to an applied physics course offered by the New South Wales Institute of Technology in Sydney. The course has a number of unique features which enable its students to be of immediate use to industry upon graduation. (JN)

A course was developed to teach physics concepts and to help students understand mathematics, the nature and role of engineers and engineering in society, and to distinguish between science/technology from pseudo-science. Includes course goals/content, mechanics, start-up, and long-term projects. (JN)

Presents a profile of science Ph.D.'s and discusses the dissertation as research publishing patterns, predicting commitment to research, researchers versus nonresearchers, and the future of the Ph.D. degree. (JN)

Describes a cooperative venture between a college faculty member and elementary school students/teachers. Each year the faculty member presents two basic physics assembly programs at the school (one for upper and one for lower grades). Includes examples of assembly activities and summary of 1977-1982 teachers' evaluations of the program. (JN)

Discusses determination of elliptical path of a satellite caught into orbit by the sun or earth; using microcomputer as signal generator (includes program listing); collision process; simple hysteresis loop using double beam CRO; method of demonstrating parallelogram of forces; measuring radius of electron beam curvature; and half-life of thorium…

Discusses: (1) construction of an integrated spherical reflectometer; (2) limitations of the NOAA Weather Radio Network; and (3) a simple experiment to demonstrate/measure influence of damping force on amplitude resonance. Also discusses whether or not a homemade electrophorus can lose its charge and then recharge itself. (JN)

Lasers are useful for demonstrating ray optics, especially in large classrooms where a well-defined, easily-viewed ray is essential. Described is a simple device that converts any laser to a projection oscilloscope (or laser spirograph). Suggestions for using the device (including demonstrating Lissajous figures and conic sections) are provided.…

Contends that the nature of physics has been misrepresented by blurring or ignoring important distinctions between "errors" and "discrepancies" and that dealing with these and related problems can improve students' enjoyment of labs and understanding of physics. Nature of physics, role of experiments, experimental errors, and error analysis are…

Questionnaires were sent to biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science teachers (N=100) to determine practical problems at the student/teacher/subject matter interface. Responses related to importance of content area for students and difficulty students have in learning the content are discussed. (SK)

Investigated cognitive development of eleventh-grade students (N=389) in Jordan and its relationship to comprehension of concrete and formal physics concepts. Results revealed that cognitive level (17% formal; 52% concrete) was related to comprehension of both concrete and formal concepts. Findings related to sex differences are also reported.…

Presents the fourth in a series of articles on high fidelity sound reproduction. Discusses high fidelity sound systems, including the acoustics of the listening room. (Author/SK)

Discusses dice model of exponential radionuclide decay; glancing and collinear perfectly elastic collisions; digital capacitance meter; use of top pan balance in physics; microcomputer calculation of gradient of straight line (includes complete Commodore PET computer program); Fresnel lenses; low-voltage radiant heater; Wheatssone's bridge used as…

Discusses how new developments in mathematics, informatics, physics, chemistry, biology, and related fields will impact curricula in the future. New interdisciplinary approaches to science instruction, more flexible forms of education, and improved science teacher education are needed. (AM)

Reviews "Pathways in Science" (Globe Book Company), designed as a complete middle/junior high school science program. Strengths (including sixth-grade readability) and weaknesses (indicating that limited process skill development may not challenge more capable students). Limited process skill development and the possibility for the program…

Data from probability samples of U.S. graduate faculty in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and political science are examined to determine whether variation in disciplinary consensus on research priorities and techniques is associated with differences in status-attainment patterns. Results support the hypothesis. (Author/AM)