Discussed is the importance of using scale drawings in teaching physics. Concepts including the orbit of the Space Shuttle, the smoothness of the earth's surface, the oblateness of the earth, the eccentricity of the earth's orbit, and the solar system are illustrated. (CW)

Discusses advantages of the Stirling engine. Describes the details of constructing one from common materials, and its use for studying thermodynamics. (YP)

Explores the power transfer using (1) a simple electric circuit consisting of a power source with internal resistance; (2) two different mechanical systems (gravity driven and constant force driven); (3) ecological examples; and (4) a linear motor. (YP)

Reports various misconceptions of Newton's third law obtained from interviews and written tests of high school students. Suggests putting emphasis on the third law in physics teaching. Ten references are listed. (YP)

Describes an aircart upon which a person can sit. Discusses the construction and use of it in a physics class. (YP)

Discusses a group project for a physics laboratory using various pendulums. Presents diagrams of pendulums, describes how to make a pendulum, and provides suggestions for guiding students in the laboratory. (YP)

Describes three experiments with an air table to produce a centripetal force. Provides some diagrams and pictures of the apparatus. (YP)

Discusses the general construction of an air track. Describes three demonstrations including elastic collision, forced oscillators, and coupled oscillators. Provides a diagram and four pictures. Suggests how a similar exhibit could be constructed with a modest budget. (YP)

Answers the question about the crown effect of a liquid drop. Describes the concepts of surface tension, irregularities, and pinch effect. (YP)

Presents a mechanics problem illustrating that Newton's second law and the linear conservation of momentum principle must be used in an inertial reference frame. Provides an analysis of the problem. (YP)

Introduced are two experiments: radon detection method shows real data using vacuum cleaner, soft toilet paper, and Geiger-Muller tube; critical potentials measurement describes the operation of Teltron tube with VELA. (YP)

Explains mechanisms of 19th-century vacuum pumps. Describes demonstrations using the pump including guinea and feather tube, aurora tube, electric egg, Gassiots cascade, air mill, bell in vacuum, density and buoyancy of air, fountain in vacuum, mercury shower, palm and bladder glasses, Bacchus demonstration, pneumatic man-lifter, and Magdeburg…

Described is a physical pendulum experiment with variable pivot as an example of maximizing computer benefits in laboratory interfacing. The laboratory procedures using spreadsheet graphics package are discussed. A diagram of the pendulum, basic formulas, and theoretical curve is provided. (YP)

Described is a position transducer used to convert the position of an object into a voltage read by a computer with use of an interface board. The arrangement of the apparatus, electronic circuit, and typical graph displays are presented. Discussed is the instructional use of the transducer. (YP)

Investigates the paths of three different points in the rigid body after receiving a sudden blow by a horizontal force. Describes the setup, laboratory procedures, and results with mathematical expressions and ink tracings of the paths. (YP)