Presents an elementary physics problem, the solution of which illuminates physical meaning and its relation to real, imaginary, and complex mathematical quantities. (JRH)

Describes a modification of the traditional demonstration of Newton's rings that magnifies the scale of the interference pattern so that the demonstration can be used for the whole class or for semiquantitative measurements in any high school laboratory. (JRH)

Presents a simple activity to determine the layout of the magnetic poles in a flat rubber or plastic refrigerator magnet. (JRH)

Presents a participation activity for students of all ages that stimulates the processes that occur in the build-up of a laser pulse. Exposes students to the concepts of coherence, monochromaticity, stimulated emission, pulse build-up from background fluctuations, and the properties that dictate the shape of a typical laser pulse. (JRH)

Argues that the common rounding rule is wrong in itself and potentially dangerous to data. The rule may be phrased as follows: "When several quantities are multiplied, the number of significant figures in the final answer is the same as the number of significant figures in the least precise of the quantities being multiplied. The same rule…

Presents cross-curricular strands aimed at gearing science toward students whose interest does not lay in the research aspect of the subject while still maintaining the project format established as an essential part of the physics class. (MKR)

Presents a sample HyperQuiz, a strictly-for-fun, genius trapping contest for occasions when the syllabus and coverage do not bear down too severely. Promotes collaboration between students, library research, and development of scientific thinking skills. (JRH)

Discusses Fermat's Principle: Light always travels the path that requires the least amount of time. Includes discussion of refraction, angle of incidence, and angle of reflection. (MKR)

Describes the development of a modified spherometer in which the position of the central leg is measured electrically. (MKR)

Presents an explanation on subtractive and additive color processing using the colors yellow and pink as examples. (MVL)

Questions whether the Socratic method is an effective teaching method. Presents a more effective questioning strategy using a dialog as an example. (MVL)

Presents a biography on the German scientist Werner von Siemens and his scientific and technological achievements. (MVL)

Presents the story of "The Perpetual Salt Fountain" to illustrate some fairly typical ramifications and vagaries in the workings of science. Outlines the discovery of double diffusive convection and uses the fact that it had been observed in the laboratory a century before its independent rediscovery to emphasize the vagaries of…

PHYS-MA-TECH, a project involving five Illinois high schools in the integration of technology, science, and math, was successful because integration occurred in both academic content and instructional delivery. Administrative support and serious commitment to educational reform were also necessary. (JOW)