This paper reports an interview case study with two physics doctoral students designed to explore their conceptions about the theory of evolution. Analysis of interview transcripts reveals that both students mistakenly constructed a "theory of evolution by environmentally driven adaptation" instead of the commonly accepted "theory…

Flexible pavement materials exhibit complex mechanical behavior, in the sense, that they not only show stress and temperature dependency but also are sensitive to moisture conditions. This complex behavior presents a great challenge to the faculty in bringing across the level of complexity and providing the concepts needed to understand them. The…

Conceptual and quantitative difficulties surrounding Newton's second law often arise among introductory physics students. Simply turning around how one expresses Newton's second law may assist students in their understanding of a deceptively simple-looking equation.

Describes the use of a device, the "Maxwell Demon Bottle," for demonstrating the meaning of entropy and the grainy nature of matter and energy. (JR)

Phonetic science is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary. Phoneticians rely on, or at least collaborate with, sociologists, psychologists, biologists, poets, physicists, anthropologists, neurologists and others. A look at the history of phonetics reveals that this seemingly recent trend has deep roots. In fact, it is possible to draw parallels…

Compares American and European graduate training in physics including thesis requirements, provision of financial support, employment prospects, and cultural roots. (GS)

Presents complete instructions for assembling an electric motor which does not require large amounts of power to operate and which is inexpensive as well as reliable. Several open-ended experiments with the motor are included as well as information for obtaining a kit of parts and instructions. (BR)

Describes a package computer program which is a simulation of a diffraction grating and discusses the uses of this program as a supplement to laboratory activities in physics. (BR)

Describes a preservice physics course designed for elementary school teachers. Design considerations included the philosophy of teaching elementary science, the content needs of elementary teachers, and six competency-based instructional strategies. Presents course content, sequence, and method of student evaluation. (GS)

Describes two approaches used to combat declining enrollment figures in freshman level physics. One approach involved a multimedia format and proved unsuccessful because of faculty resistance. The second approach involved the development of a new course sequence for nonmajors. Outlines the course sequence and presents data on increased enrollment.…

This procedure, using polystyrene spheres of specified diameter, renders the Millikan oil drop experiment more accurate than the conventional procedure of the polystyrene spheres, eliminates size estimation error, and removes the guesswork involved in assigning proper index integers to the observed charges. (MLH)

Portions of this paper were read at the annual convention of the Eastern Psychological Association, April 1967.