Discusses some rapid statistical methods which are intended for use by physics teachers. Part one of this article gives some of the simplest and most commonly useful rapid methods. Part two gives references to the relevant theory together with some alternative and additional methods. (HM)

Describes the status of teaching physics in the polytechnic institutions in the United Kingdom. The article also discusses: (1) development of courses in polytechnics; (2) types of physics courses; (3) role of physics departments; and (4) trends in teaching physics. (HM)

Describes physics project of the sixth-year of secondary schools in Scotland. The article also discusses: (1) aims of the Scottish certificate of sixth-year studies (CSYS); (2) teacher's role; and (3) method of teaching physics projects. (HM)

Describes the details of constructing, and use of, a solar collector. Uses a black liquid to absorb the energy, the thermosyphon effect to drive the liquid through the collector, and a floodlamp as a surrogate sun. (GA)

This study focuses on the relationship between formal operational reasoning, as defined by Piaget, and the success of physics students, defined by their final examination grades. (SA)

This paper, presented at the conference on the role of the laboratory in physics education, which was held in Oxford, England in July 1978, describes the role of the laboratory in school and university physics in Honduras. (HM)

This paper, presented at the conference on the role of the laboratory in physics education which was held in Oxford, England in July 1978, discusses whether physics laboratories are essential or merely desirable for secondary schools and universities. (HM)

Described is a multidisciplinary group project for undergraduate students in astronomy and physics. The students design and build a simple radiotelescope subject to a number of realistic constraints such as fixed cost, use of a standard communications receiver, and buying of supplementary building materials off the shelf. (BT)

These activities focus on the unifying concept of faster-moving fluids lowering fluid pressure. Students are able to visualize and measure the dynamics of fluid pressure with the hands-on approach of these activities, which helps to develop conceptual understanding. Activities are organized to show many examples of the same concept to reveal…

Presents examples of experiments designed for high school students with the help of a microcomputer-based laboratory called Explorer. Argues that these tools enable students to investigate many principles of physics that were not feasible in the past. (DDR)

Describes CAPA, a software tool to implement a computer-assisted personalized approach for homework assignments and examinations in a large introductory physics class at Michigan State University. Highlights include increased individual attention for students; correlation between homework performance and results of the final exam; feedback for…

Adapted a high school physics program to make physics less elite and more accessible to all students. Students surveys evaluated their attitudes regarding the effectiveness of the new conceptual approach. Results indicated that the approach opened the door to physics for many traditionally underrepresented groups. Students considered the revised…

Compares collaborative problem solving by learners sitting side-by-side with computer-mediated learning at a distance. Three aspects are studied: high school students' problem- solving strategies and interpretation of the teaching situation; their use of components of the situation; and the cognitive processes involved in understanding domain…

Described are engineering programs that have used automated data acquisition systems to implement data collection and analyze experiments. Applications include a biochemical engineering laboratory, heat transfer performance, engineering materials testing, mechanical system reliability, statistical control laboratory, thermo-fluid laboratory, and a…

Described is a simple circuit with which students can observe the effect of common dielectric materials in a capacitor and measure the dielectric constant of a piece of paper. Discussed are the theory, apparatus construction, and experimental procedures for this activity. (CW)