Introduced is a project for constructing a can device for a race. Discussed are some applications for teaching physical science. A diagram of a can device is included. (YP)

Suggests the development of curriculum materials on the applications of physics to traffic accident investigations as a theme for teaching mechanics. Describes several standard investigation techniques and the physics principles involved, along with some sample exercises. (TW)

Advocates the accuracy of the common belief that the possession of energy drives, gives potential for, or accounts for change. Argues that the term "free energy" or entropy represents the possibility of change. Recommends that educators reexamine their use of these terms to prevent common misconceptions about energy. (TW)

For a variety of reasons, too many adults--especially parents and teachers--feel inadequate in science, particularly in physics. This book represents an attempt to help parents and elementary school teachers strengthen their conceptual knowledge of physics. Cartoons are used throughout the reading to illustrate and reinforce concepts. This…

This paper describes and discusses the interactive movement forum and the process of working on it as data itself. The paper revisits the theme of the creative process from a postmodern perspective, particularly considering creativity in relationship to women's bodies and detailing the problematic aspects of working with students in an artistic…

Discusses how the earth is a dynamic system that maintains itself in a steady state. Areas considered include large/small-scale earth motions, geologic time, rock and hydrologic cycles, and other aspects dealing with the changing face of the earth. (JN)

Reviews EduTech mechanic simulations of vertical fall with/without air resistance, hunter-monkey paradox, planetary motion for Apple II. The self-contained programs are designed for teacher use during demonstrations or as supplementary tutorial material. Indicates simulations are well done/useful but too much unnecessary (although informative)…

Regrouping cars from incoming trains into blocks of cars for outgoing trains is accomplished in railroad "hump" classification yards. Discusses: hardware and software elements of such installations; physical models on which software is based; success in predicting/regulating car speeds; and results of recent research into factors…

Suggests that current approaches to mechanics following Newton's laws will not improve by better presentations due to conceptual difficulties of the approaches. Offers an alternative way of setting up mechanics which avoids some of the conceptual pitfalls but still requires mathematical ability. (Author/SK)

Describes a systematic investigation of the understanding of the concept of acceleration among students enrolled in a variety of introductory physics courses through individual demonstration interviews. Describes and identifies some conceptual difficulties and discusses some implications for instruction. (Author/SK)

Described is an activity in which students calculate constant velocity using a tape cassette player. The objectives, procedures, graphing directions, and formulas and values needed for the calculations are included. (KR)

Discussed is the use of model rocketry to teach the principles of Newtonian mechanics. Included are forces involved; calculations for vertical launches; two-dimensional trajectories; and variations in mass, drag, and launch angle. (CW)

Discusses some historically important reference systems including those by Newton, Leibniz, and Galileo. Provides models illustrating space-time relationship of the reference systems. Describes building models. (YP)

Shows the difficulties of understanding the hypothesis a posteriori. Describes a scientific method containing phenomenologic, hypothetic, and theoretic phases. Provides the results of an experiment on simple pendulum oscillation by using this method. (YP)

Evaluates 16 commercially available courseware packages covering topics for introductory physics. Discusses the price, sub-topics, program type, interaction, time, calculus required, graphics, and comments of each program. Recommends two packages in measurement and vectors, and one-dimensional motion respectively. (YP)