Discusses averaging in situations involving low random error of measurement, and the difference between various averaging methods. (SL)

Discusses some recent advances in telescopes, in particular the design and construction of the Multiple Mirror Telescope in Mt. Hopkins, Arizona. (CP)

Outlines the first South-East Asian conference on university physics education held in Penang, Malaysia, May 16-21, 1977, to identify, analyze, and compare physics curricula and to improve physics education in developing countries. (SL)

Describes the role of scientists, particularly physicists, in developing and directing federally funded scientific research and development efforts. (SL)

Shows that visual acuity is a function of the structure of the eye and that its limit is set by the structure of the retina, emphasizing the role of lens aberrations and difraction on image quality. Also compares human vision with that of other vertebrates and insects. (JN)

Reports recent findings related to the particle Higgs boson and examines its possible contribution to the standard mode of elementary processes. Critically explores the strengths and uncertainties of the Higgs boson and proposed Higgs field. (ML)

Presents a general theory of improvisation and its role in the teaching of science. Includes a definition of improvisation, a discussion of curiosity-motivated and logically motivated questions, and illustrative examples from physics. (JN)

A new instrument called the tunneling microscope has recently been developed that is capable of generating real-space images of surfaces showing atomic structure. Discusses current capabilities, limitations, and the physics involved in the technique. Includes results from a study of silicon crystal surfaces. (JN)

A National Academy of Science report ("Physics Through the 1990's") says that American physics has been a highly diversified and productive enterprise, but continued excellence cannot be taken for granted. Progress in six subfields (elementary particle, nuclear, condensed-matter, atomic/molecular, plasma/fluid, and gravitation/cosmology physics)…

Offers various suggestions for teaching the Bernoulli principle. Several demonstrations that work well in classroom situations are included. (JN)

Describes the physics of an experiment in which an air wedge is formed between two glass plates inclined at a small angle by means of a thin spacer. Implications for instruction are noted. (JN)

Describes simple speckle photography experiments which are easy to set up and require only low cost standard laboratory equipment. Included are procedures for taking single, double, and multiple exposures. (JN)

Describes the design and use of a projectile motion apparatus to illustrate a variety of projective motion results typically discussed in an introductory course. They include independence of horizontal (constant speed) and vertical (constant acceleration) motions, parabolic path shape, and other types of motion. (JN)

Presents an annotated list of nontechnical astronomy books in these categories: amateur astronomy; children's books; cosmology; galaxies; general astronomy; history of astronomy; life in the universe; physics and astronomy; pseudoscience; quasars and active galaxies; solar system; space exploration; stars/stellar evolution; sun; astronomy…

Presents comments from the editorial board of Physics Education to the Royal Society's ad-hoc group on science and the public. Areas examined include whether schools provide students with a useful understanding of science and technology (ST), if the public has sufficient understanding of ST to make balanced judgements, and others. (JN)