Features an assignment involving average monthly temperatures that can serve as an example of curve-fitting for a periodic function. (WRM)

An American Institute of Physics survey was modified to determine major physics topics emphasized in small Missouri high schools and teachers' perceived adequacy to teach them. Data tables show the emphasis that 103 Missouri teachers placed on 38 physics topics, compared to national counterparts, as well as teachers' perceptions of their knowledge…

Presents an analysis of an astrophysics institute designed for high school students. Investigates how students respond cognitively in an active science-learning environment in which they serve as apprentices to university astrophysics professors. (Author/CCM)

Describes the organization and completion of a scientific field trip for a group of high school physics students that was organized primarily around a study of the Manhattan Project. The group visited the Trinity site, Los Alamos, several museums, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory Very Large Array. Contact information for the various…

Documents the collaborative coordination of multiple resources--talk, gesture, and writing--as represented in the interaction among three high school seniors working on a physics laboratory task. Through close analysis of the moment-to-moment construction of task, the study draws attention to complex yet taken-for-granted practices that are…

Discusses physics, earth science, and physical science concepts that are challenging for students and teachers because they are difficult to understand and demonstrate. Identifies ratio and inverse-square as a unifying-concept approach according to the National Education Standards. Supports teaching based on student-centered activities, long-term…

Discusses the merits of the Spectrum Techniques gamma spectroscopy system as used by university students to determine the mass-energy of an electron from measurements of the energies of Compton-scattered gammas. (WRM)

Provides nearly 200 resources for programs for the preparation of physics graduate students for their responsibilities as teachers. Resources are listed under the following categories: (1) General Resources; (2) Resources Focused on Particular Aspects of Instruction; (3) National Conference Proceedings; (4) International TAs; (5) Institutional…

Investigated the ability of Swedish student teachers to explain everyday phenomena in science education, asking all fourth-term student teachers about phenomena where transformations of matter were involved. Analysis of students' written answers indicates that there is a great need in teacher training to work with conceptual understanding and with…

Provides construction and operation details for a tornado machine. Includes suggestions for investigations and information about tornado warnings. (DDR)

Provides historical information on the incorporation of physics as a subject into secondary schools in Spain. Cites religious and political tensions as early roadblocks to curriculum development. (DDR)

Provides details of an activity in which students spear a toy fish and learn about the refraction of light. Plans for the sighting apparatus and for making the toy fish are included. (DDR)

Reports the results of an experiment with undergraduates in a physics laboratory that indicates that preparation before a lab session improves student performance in the lab. Also concludes that follow-up work can lead to meaningful learning. (DDR)

Describes an inservice training course for science teachers that is based on the view that most issues of classroom practice are issues of pedagogy, methodology, and subject knowledge. Teachers selected issues of direct concern to their daily work, performed research by methods of action research, analyzed their findings, took appropriate action,…

Describes how to construct a simple motor from a coffee mug, wire, and magnets. Includes background information, student assembly procedures, troubleshooting, and extensions. (DDR)