Describes a lecture demonstration apparatus for displaying free and forced oscillations of a mechanical system to a large class. Discusses the Blinking Diode Display and the Standing Wave description. Contains 20 references. (JRH)

Presents a simple yet effective means for demonstrating crystal optics using a microwave beam on wood targets. Describes a method to quantitatively examine the separation of ordinary and extraordinary waves. (JRH)

Presents experiments that use Helmholtz resonators and have been designed for a sophomore-level course in oscillations and waves. Discusses the theory of the Helmholtz resonator and resonance curves. (JRH)

Presents an experiment that uses the measurements of the impulse required to stop a moving mass by three different methods to demonstrate that regardless of whether the maximum force is large or small, approximately the same impulse is required. (JRH)

Derives a general equation for the period of nonsimple harmonic motion where the magnitude of the restoring force is given by F=kxn. (JRH)

Describes an experiment to measure the speed of air in the air jet caused by blowing air through a drinking straw. (JRH)

Argues that it is possible to get a smooth ride on noncircular wheels on a smooth road if the load is supported using the wheels as rollers. Illustrates that the key to getting a smooth ride is for the rollers to measure the same height from top to bottom, regardless of how they are rotated. (CCM)

The purpose of this study was to explore and identify the experiences that informed the development of three veteran (15+ years of teaching experience) 9th grade physics teachers' specialized knowledge, or PCK, for using representations to teach the topics of energy transformation and transfer. Through the lens of phenomenography, the study…

In this hermeneutic study we explore how fictive kinship (kin-like close personal friendship) amongst high school students of color mediated their resiliency, perseverance, and success in a college physics class. These freely chosen, processual friendships were based on emotional and material support, motivation, and caring for each other, as well…

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a problem-centered teaching method with exciting potential in engineering education for motivating and enhancing student learning. Implementation of PBL in engineering education has the potential to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Two common problems are encountered when attempting to integrate PBL into…

The aim of this study is to compare and contrast the science process skills (SPS) included in the 10th-12th grade physics textbooks content utilized in Yemeni schools. The study revealed weaknesses and strengths in the textbooks' content. For instance, a number of science process skills (SPS), such as measuring, predicting and hypothesizing, have…

In an English as a second language (ESL) or English as a foreign language (EFL) class, special emphasis is often put on interaction and negotiation as a means of learning and understanding the language being taught (Long, 1981; Pica, 1994). However, student-student interaction as well as student-teacher interaction could be difficult to achieve in…

Physics and geoscience consistently rank near the bottom among all disciplines in their ability to attract and retain African American students. Before delving into these trends, it is important to establish a context for discussing the data and their implications. African Americans comprise 12.4% of the U.S. population, but their representation…