Reviews "Thermodynamics" (Cross Educational Software) and "Calorimetry and Thermodynamics" (Educational Materials and Equipment Company). The first package has seven programs (briefly described) while the second package contains virtually an identical subset of the Cross package. (JN)

Children in years three, four, and five of physics study were tested to determine their intuitive preconceptions about forces and equilibrium in the static case, as well as any changes in their conceptual framework that might have taken place as a result of maturity and instruction. (JN)

This final article in the series on the fine-beam cathode-ray tube presents: (1) additional investigations; (2) an alternative method for the electron e/m and synchrotron radiation; and (3) two challenges to students (in a dialogue format) together with a lengthy discussion on synchrotron radiation sources. (DH)

Presents a technique which aids students in solving static problems involving three or more torques about a given axis. The method is longer and equivalent to the standard method, but students experience success with this new way to treat the more complicated equilibrium problems. (DH)

Describes experiments in which a ball bearing is used as a tool for the study of light and as a kind of photographic lens. Also shows how results from these experiments contribute to an understanding of the nature of light. (JN)

Suggests experiments to help develop understanding of photoconductivity, photometry, and the inverse square law in optics. The design of a simple absorption colorimeter is also described. (DH)

Discusses the history of American physics, indicating that much effort has been on the atomic bond and high-energy physics, to the detriment of other topics and areas. To offset this tendency, significant research is going on in the history of solid-state physics, with glimmerings in the history of physics education. (JN)

Suggests humanizing physics classes by incorporating class-wide, local, or national contests. Several examples of this approach are offered and discussed. (JN)

Provides a physics explanation for a toy top driven by a magnet. Draws parallels to electric watches which use balance wheels with small permanent magnet mounts on them and having the coils mounted at one side. (JM)

Relates two experiments in a physics lab that contain percentage errors. (HOD)

Examines the treatment of errors and significant figures in physics manuals as part of an evaluation of these instructional materials. Comments on specific materials reviewed are provided. (JN)

The tendency of a poured liquid to cling to the outside of a container is known as the "teapot effect." The nature of the teapot effect and experiments investigating this phenomenon are described. (JN)

Discusses four periods of development in American physics during the last two hundred years and the discoveries and research of both Benjamin Franklin and Henry Rowland. (MLH)

Gives brief descriptions of new physics laboratory equipment and available literature describing laboratory equipment. (MLH)

Describes commercially available permanent magnets that have been incorporated in a compact and inexpensive structure providing both field sweep and modulation suitable for electron spin resonance at microwave frequencies. (MLH)