Describes phase transition in solids and shows how soap films can be used to demonstrate this phenomenon. (Author/SK)

Describes a series of laboratory experiments and computer simulations of the motion of electrons in electric and magnetic fields. These experiments, which involve an inexpensive student-built electron gun, study the electron mean free path, magnetic focusing, and other aspects. (Author/HM)

Investigates the misconceptions in physics among South African students. The physics test which was administered to selected high school and college students is included. (HM)

This study, conducted in an Australian institution, investigates the intellectual requirements of the mechanics section of a first-year college physics text. Instructional and prerequisite concepts were classified in terms of the intellectual skills required to understand them. (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, describes the problems of physics laboratory courses in Africa. Suggestions for solving these problems are also included. (HM)

Reveals the stormy relationship and ongoing controversy surrounding the scientific collaboration of Otto Hahn and Lise Meitner. Discusses the controversial 1944 Nobel Prize award to Hahn (ignoring the equal contribution of Meitner), the reaction of the scientific community, and the post-war years of both Meitner and Hahn. (MJP)

A study with nine physics students in a Quebec university found they saw themselves learning primarily outside the classroom as they solved assigned problems, saw few new concepts being introduced, and felt they had moved beyond memorization to application of concepts to problem solving. Students' perceptions were sometimes at odds with teachers'…

A preservice physics/chemistry course was created that was inspired by constructivist thinking, that emphasized metacognition, and that integrated concepts of pedagogical and scientific topics by developing a teaching/learning cycle. Denmark's educational system and the implementation of the course are described. Preliminary evaluations suggest…

Describes the development of a 3-D virtual environment for secondary school and college physics and chemistry. Discusses individual learning styles; the effectiveness of visual stimuli in science education; implications of visual learning in designing instruction for differences in learning styles; and conceptual understanding. (LRW)

Included are 30 science activities that include computer monitoring, fieldwork, enzyme activity, pH, drugs, calorimeters, Raoult's Law, food content, solubility, electrochemistry, titration, physical properties of materials, gel filtration, energy, concepts in physics, and electricity. (KR)

Presented are ideas for a six-year science curriculum for secondary school science education. Exposure to biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences for the purpose of preparing students to enter college is proposed. The integration of the science disciplines during all six years is emphasized. (CW)

Discussed are experiments that may be done using a microcomputer to analyze scattering data. Apparatus assembly, procedures, and results for this activity are presented. (CW)

Discusses the restructuring of the graduate program to accommodate emerging fields in engineering. Notes half of the graduate degrees Cornell grants each year are M.Eng. degrees. Offers 12 specialties: aerospace, agriculture, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical and nuclear engineering; computer science, engineering physics; geological…

Reviewed are two computer software packages: "Super Solvers Midnight Rescue!" a problem-solving program for IBM PCs; and "Interactive Physics," a simulation program for the Macintosh computer. The functions of the package are discussed including strengths and weaknesses and teaching suggestions. (CW)

The Learning in Science Project (Energy) was designed to investigate teaching and learning about the energy concepts of New Zealand elementary and secondary students. Discussed are aspects of an approach to teaching energy to low ability students in physics. (YP)