Explains the physics behind some of the apparently puzzling aspects of the motion of a person riding a snake-board (a skateboard with independently pivoted axles). (Author/WRM)

Measured nonword reading, exception word reading, and performance with Ternus apparent movement displays (the perception of which is believed to depend upon the magnocellular and parvocellular pathways) in dyslexic children and children without reading difficulties. Found that Ternus task performance was related to nonword reading ability but not…

Describes a bubble activity related to the concepts of force and motion. Uses soap solutions for the task and evaluates students according to their performance in the problem solving process and garnering investigation results, which are conceptually based. Promotes and assesses science process skills. (Contains 20 references.) (YDS)

Calculates the angular velocity of a spinning top without the simplifying assumption found in most textbooks that the total angular momentum is solely along the symmetry axis. (WRM)

Interactive digital video enables computer visualization techniques that help students to collect, analyze, and model two-dimensional motion data. This article describes and evaluates five activities developed for the physics classroom with the use of this technology in mind. Activities explore concepts such as space, time, frames of reference,…

Presents an activity in which students construct a roller coaster to illustrate the concept of physics as part of a forces, motion, and energy unit for their physics course. (ASK)

Describes a simple computer interface that can be used to make reliable time measurements, such as when timing the swings of a pendulum. Presents a sample experiment involving a form of pendulum known as the compound pendulum. (Author/YDS)

Analyzed two children's use of a computer-based motion detector to make sense of symbolic expressions (Cartesian graphs). Found three themes: (1) tool perspectives, efforts to understand graphical responses to body motion; (2) fusion, emergent ways of talking and behaving that merge symbols and referents; and (3) graphical spaces, when changing…

Describes a collection of free-body exercises for linear and circular motion. Offers new methods of drawing free-body diagrams. (CCM)

Finds that students taking algebra-based introductory physics have difficulty with one- and two-body problems in particle mechanics. Provides graded exercises for drawing and utilizing free-body diagrams. (CCM)

Mathematically explains why the range of a projectile is most insensitive to aiming errors when the initial angle is close to 45 degrees, whereas other observables such as maximum height or flight time are most insensitive for near-vertical launching conditions. (WRM)

Examined the ability of 64 kindergarten and third-grade children to interpret implied motion in pictures accurately. Third graders were more adept at identifying implied motion. Results also show that postural motion was more effective than a flow-line condition in conveying motion, and that cues and relevant pictorial background information…

Two studies investigated whether 10- to 11-month-olds possess skills for parsing ongoing behavior along boundaries correlated with initiation and completion of intentions. Found that infants showed renewed interest in test videos in which motion paused in the midst of an actor's pursuit of intentions; suspended motion at intentional boundary…

Presents hands on science activities using toys on the topics of average speed, acceleration, wavelength, and bouncing balls. (YDS)

In this article, the authors examined changes in the usage of muscular and motion-dependent moments during the long-term practice of a complex, multijoint movement. Seven participants practiced a cyclic movement of the upper limbs until their joint angular movements conformed to those of an expert. The motions of the participants were digitally…