Presents a modification of a demonstration in which air pressure crushes an aluminum beverage can with a 20-liter steel solvent drum being crushed instead. (WRM)

Suggests two methods for measuring the specific latent heat of ice fusion for high school physics laboratories. The first method is an ice calorimeter which is made from simple materials. The second method improves the thermal contact and allows for a more accurate measurement. Lists instructions for both methods. (Author/YDS)

Students make connections in their social lives and expect teachers to do the same at school. Advocates connecting physics and biology in teaching as they are connecting more in research. Discusses some physics-based techniques used in biology and medicine. (YDS)

Explains a change in sign convention for thermodynamic work. (CCM)

Adresses student understanding of quantum phenomenon. (Author/CCM)

Presents a simple method for making capacitors and measuring their capacitance. (Author/CCM)

Reviews the booklet "The Study of Matter" produced by the Institute of Physics as part of their Shaping the Future series. This booklet is designed for teachers of chemistry, physics, design and technology, and biology. (Author/CCM)

Examines elementary science methods textbooks to determine how magnet concepts are presented. Focuses on the organization, sequence of concepts, and potential misconceptions, and includes types of investigations. Analyzed 11 elementary science methods textbooks in detail and found great variation in the magnet concepts presented, general omission…

Explores a method of teaching called Peer Instruction. Describes how Peer Instruction was implemented in physics and summarizes the results. Discusses the way in which Peer Instruction was modified to be used in an introductory single variable calculus course. (Author/ASK)

Comparison of lower-sixth-form (n=346) and upper-sixth-form (n=406) students on Advanced-level physics exams in Northern Ireland found higher levels of attainment among the upper-level students. Boys were more likely to take advantage of modular exams. Results support the proposed Advanced Subsidiary level as a less-demanding transition for…

Describes playing music between class periods in which the songs convey a message about science. Students walk into the classroom to the tune of various lyrics that can be related to physics topics. Songs about or mentioning scientific principles include: "Somewhere over the Rainbow" (color); "I sing the Body Electric" (electricity); and "Good…

Examines the core courses of undergraduate biology programs in light of the changing structure of biology. Recommends a core curriculum and explains the reasons for these suggestions. (Contains 15 references.) (YDS)

Assess students' understanding of density with short-answer pop quizzes. The result was that the more opportunities students had to test, explore, and discuss the concept of density, the greater understanding they demonstrated of the subject. (SAH)

Provides descriptions of Physics Olympics events in which physics students collect acceleration data while riding on amusement park rides. (MKR)

Presents a simple experiment to compare the performance of the PASCO Introductory Dynamics System with that of an Ealing student air track. Discusses the relative advantages of both. Concludes that for a wide assortment of motion activities in a low friction environment, or studies of frictional forces, the PASCO Introductory Dynamics System is a…