This article expands on findings from a study that found grandfathers and grandfathers of children with autism were over represented in the field of engineering. It presents additional evidence that engineers are still over represented, even when one takes into account an over representation of professionals among fathers of children autism.…

Discuses the counterintuitive fact that ice is a good insulator and creates a 'teachable moment' for describing the use of discrepant events as a strategy for science instruction and exploring a possible solution to the question, "How warm can the interior of an igloo get?" (Author/ASK)

Explains from fundamentals how the periodic table became the way it is and in doing so, touches on quantum theory and the important concept of symmetry. (SAH)

Introduces a physics activity on buoyancy. Includes a list of materials and the procedure for the activity. (YDS)

Investigated whether infants infer that a hidden, freely moving object will move continuously and smoothly. Six- to 10- month olds inferred that the object's path would be connected and unobstructed, in accord with continuity. Younger infants did not infer this, in accord with inertia. At 8 and 10 months, knowledge of inertia emerged but remained…

Using a computer and thermistor probes, students analyze graphs of temperature versus time. The experiment demonstrates phase changes in water, which can lead to a broader interpretation of matter, its properties, and the laws of thermodynamics. (Author/AIM)

Presents the theory behind the spots of light observed inside a balloon when it is exposed to light. Discusses the use of this phenomenon in teaching optics lessons. (JRH)

Discusses the discovery of radioactivity by Henri Becquerel in 1896. Describes his experiments and communications. (JRH)

Explains the physics principles behind the VT (variable time) fuze, also called the proximity fuze, that was used in World War II in a radio device built into the nose of an aircraft shell or bullet that made it explode at the instant of passing an airplane in a near miss. Discusses other uses of the proximity fuze. (JRH)

Describes a method to teach acoustics to students with minimal mathematical backgrounds. Discusses the uses of charts in teaching topics of sound intensity level and the decibel scale. Avoids the difficulties of working with logarithm functions. (JRH)

Describes a method to trace the reflection of a light ray incident on a pair of mirrors hinged together along one edge. Can be extended to ray tracing through tubes, cones, and prisms. (JRH)

Describes a physics demonstration show where students conduct demonstrations for the rest of the school. By demonstrating a concept, students are forced to learn that concept in depth. Appendix includes a physics demonstrations resource list. (JRH)

Presents a new approach for the determination of the temperature coefficient of resistance of a resistor and a thermistor. Advantages include teaching students how to linearize data in order to utilize least-squares techniques, continuously taking data over desired temperature range, using up-to-date data-acquisition techniques, teaching the use…

Describes a computer-assisted personalized assignment system used to prepare and present conceptual, qualitative questions to large introductory science classes. Several sample questions are included and discussed. Contains 18 references. (DDR)