Describes a pre-calculus, freshman-level modern physics course for prospective physics majors. The problems and goals which led to the course are discussed. Course objectives, content, laboratory projects, text and reference materials and evaluaton procedures used are reported. (LC)

Describes three elementary optics experiments using a laser instead of conventional light sources. Experiments illustrate the Fresnel-Arago law, elliptical polarization, double refraction and polarization in calcite, and interference by a Fresnel biprism. Because of the high intensity of the laser beam, these experiments lend themselves very well…

Presents a problem in standing waves that provides an example of the mathematics used by theoretical physicists to generate predictions of new phenomena from fundamental background knowledge. Mathematical analysis required to solve problem is accomplished by simple graphical processes. (BR)

Evaluates the use of an "Electronic Blackboard in the teaching of high school physics with lectures emanating from a university and student teachers working with students. Students had significant gains from pretest, to posttest. A significant majority of students did not like receiving lecture notes over the "electronic blackboard. (BR)

Using elementary principles of electron optics, the student gains greater understanding of the classical similarities between particles and waves. A method of solution is illustrated, and the results appear more reliable than those existing in prior literature. (Author/TS)

The Boyle-Mariotte gas law was formulated in terms of pneumatic springs," subsumed by Hooke under his own stress-strain relation, and generally regarded as a law of elasticity. The subsequent development of Boyle's principle and elasticity provide thought-provoking test cases for Kuhn's notations of paradigm and puzzle solving in physics.…

In a senior modern physics laboratory, design" or ingenuity" experiments were introduced to acquaint students with methods of doing complete experiments. The former deals with proposed long term studies while the latter deals with apparatus and short term actual studies. Students rated the design" experiments higher. (Author/TS)