A brief examination of the Chinese National University Entrance Examination (NUEE) and the unusual influence it has on physics teaching in China. An assessment is made of the problems the NUEE has created for teaching secondary school physics, and the trends of the reform of the Chinese NUEE. (AIM)

Describes a project that involves determining, by coulometry, the energy output of different types and makes of 1.5-volt AA cells as a function of EMF and time. Involves measuring the volume of hydrogen gas collected at the cathode from the reduction of hydrogen ions in aqueous sulfuric acid by a current produced by the discharge of an AA battery.…

Investigates the effect of the presence of context in physics problems by comparing the performance of physics students (n=8) on two sets of matched problems. Results indicate that the students performed better on the tasks with context. Reports that real-life context plays an important role in the ability to visualize the problem. (JRH)

Presents an overhead projector demonstration that uses the idea of color fading to demonstrate reaction kinetics and diffusion controlled reaction kinetics. (JRH)

Describes the experimental and theoretical details for constructing and calibrating an inexpensive, homemade liquid-lens refractometer. Measures refractive indices that are within the experimental errors discussed and close to the literature values. (JRH)

Describes the Cosmology Distinction Course for gifted students completing their Higher School Certificate, which seeks to provide a challenging and stimulating broadly based one-year course that goes beyond the normal confines of traditional matriculation subjects. Presents a course outline, details on assessment, and reflections upon the first…

Describes an apparatus that can be used to illustrate the relationships that are necessary between the earth, the moon, and the sun, and the orbital tilts of these bodies to produce eclipses. (JRH)

Describes a method to combine two learning experiences--optical physics and matrix mathematics--in a straightforward laboratory experiment that allows engineering/physics students to integrate a variety of learning insights and technical skills, including using lasers, studying refraction through thin lenses, applying concepts of matrix…

Describes the most popular optical detector in the design of photodiode detector circuits. Discusses how a photodiode works, points to consider in the design of a photodiode, and photodiode hybrids. (AIM)

Reports on a small-scale investigation of student understanding of moments of forces to provide some indication as to the nature of intuitive ideas in this area. Results of the investigation suggest three stumbling blocks in the conceptual understanding of moment of forces. (Author/ASK)

Hypothesizes that the construction of visual models, resolution of these visual models with numeric models and, in many cases, rejection of commitments such as the belief in one true velocity, are necessary for students to form integrated mental models of relative motion events. Studies high school students' relative motion problem solving.…

Provides a brief overview of cognitive research findings from the last 25 years pertinent to the teaching and learning of physics. Discusses the implications of this research both for structuring the training of prospective physics instructors and for reforming physics instruction. (Contains 40 references.) (Author/ASK)

Introduces a hands-on science project in which groups of students design machines. Recommends dividing the class into groups and provides a rubric for student assessment. (YDS)

Presents results of two teaching experiments at university level each involving five students. Attempts in the experiments to build on students' forms of energy language as well as to challenge its limitations. Describes student and teacher reasoning. Concludes that forms of energy language must be reformulated before it can be evaluated with…

Describes an activity that can be used to help middle and secondary school students develop more informed understandings of some important aspects of the nature of science in the context of teaching Rutherford's experiments and atomic structure. (Author/MM)