Describes a spreadsheet that can be used to show the changes in intensity of Fraunhofer diffraction patterns produced by a single and double slits arrangement. Discusses a practical demonstration of diffraction that allows data to be logged and entered into the spreadsheet. (DDR)

Describes the major contributions to optics of Ibn al-Haytham, prolific Arab scientist. Recent partial translation of his "Book of Optics" enables an accounting of his work and provides the opportunity to connect this historical personage and his contributions to the current debates on multicultural science teaching. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

Demonstrates that good values of the ratio of the principal specific heats of a gas can be obtained with a relatively simple apparatus. Describes the basic processes involved and the apparatus. (AIM)

Presents the idea that cloud chambers can be used by students as an experimental tool enabling them to conduct their own investigations on radiation. Provides detail regarding the construction of a cloud chamber and suggestions for student assignments that involve the cloud chamber. (DDR)

Investigates the relationship between students' views of the nature of scientific knowledge and their own learning of physics, and the evolution of this relationship over time. Uses two intensive case studies to illustrate students' views over time. Discusses the changes in students' views concerning the nature of scientific knowledge and the…

Two studies were conducted to investigate the apparent connection between certain students' reticence in class and their ability to understand relationships in physics. Student gender revealed that a students' apprehension about communicating and reliance on rote memorization are fact related. (SAH)

Presents examples using hypothetico-deductive thinking to better teach and understand biology, geology, physics, and chemistry. The examples show that hypothetico-deductive thinking is not new to science as it can be found in research from the Middle Ages. (SAH)

Results of a survey of the 81 colleges of pharmacy affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy regarding requirements of physics in the pre-pharmacy curriculum are presented. The author concludes that colleges that do not currently require a course in physics in their pre-pharmacy curriculum should consider adding one. (Author)

Uses several replicas of experimental set-ups that were originally used in electrostatic research in teaching electrostatics through history on secondary school level. Makes visible the change of the style of electrostatic experimentation that took place at the end of the 18th century. (Contains 25 references.) (ASK)

Describes the development, application, and evaluation of a metacognitive technique for improving student reading comprehension of physics texts. Recommends that the metacognitive technique be developed and applied in teaching reading comprehension of physics texts as an effective self-monitoring device. (Author/MM)

Explains the difficulties physical chemistry faculty experience during their initial year of employment due to lack of experience in teaching. Investigates common problems faculty experience and offers possible solutions. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/YDS)

Presents an example of a reconstruction of the debate concerning the foundations of general relativity on the basis of cultural and educational criteria. In particular, the debate is shown as guided by the concept of space and the different perspectives from which such a concept can be viewed. (Author/MM)

Whole vectors are not just for drawings. Easy, straightforward, and surprisingly versatile, whole vectors are perfect for calculations. (Author/MM)

Describes how some of the Theory of Knowledge (ToK) requirements, which is a central part of the International Baccalaurate (IB) Diploma program, for the natural sciences component can be addressed through case studies from the history of chemistry and related subjects. Provides examples for the 'Ideas and evidence in science' which can be useful…

Examines students' intuitive physics ability and characteristics associated with physics competence in two studies; study one focuses on students' performance on a physics quiz and the second study focuses on exploring the personality and academic variables and also examines student's awareness of their own physics ability. (Contains 45…