The article provides an example of a project in physics concerning clocks in which gifted pupils engage in high-level problem solving while developing technical knowledge and appropriate scientific methodology. Drawings illustrate the principles taught by the project. (Author/DB)

Describes a two-term course in electronic instrumentation for chemistry and physics students. The first term focuses on analog circuits and the measurement of voltage, current, and impendance. The second-term course focuses on digital pulses/logic, microcomputer organization, and assembly language programing and interfacing to experiments. (JN)

The International System of Units (SI) or the metric system contains related units which make science simpler for students and teachers. By emphasizing descriptive units, requiring unit use throughout calculations, and using negative exponents, teachers can help students have a better understanding of energy, pressure, and mass concepts. (DH)

Computational science is defined as science done on a computer. A computer can serve as a laboratory for researchers who cannot experiment with their subjects, and as a calculator for those who otherwise might need centuries to solve some problems mathematically. The National Science Foundation's support of supercomputers is discussed. (MLW)

Explains the use of a convex lens as a thick mirror. Shows the expression for the power of this type mirror. (YP)

The United Kingdom's shortage of qualified physics teachers and its trend toward balanced science courses has resulted in many non-specialist physics teachers, who have indicated that there was a considerable difference between anticipated and actual difficulty in teaching specific physics topics. A constructivist model of inservice education in…

This section of the journal includes several short notes on science activities and materials for secondary schools. Activities and materials are included that relate to biology, microbiology, microcomputers, chemistry, and physics. (RH)

This paper describes three interactive computer programs used with personal computers to present science learning modules for all ages. Developed by groups of teachers at the Educational Technology Center at the University of California, Irvine, these instructional materials do not use the techniques of contemporary artificial intelligence. (GDC)

A physicist's view of the problems involved in kicking a football is described through the principles of projectile motion and aerodynamics. Sample equations, statistical summaries of kickoffs and punts, and calculation of launch parameters are presented along with discussion to clarify concepts of physics illustrated by kicking a football. (JN)

Explains "maintenance free" car batteries which do not involve any changes in principles from traditional car batteries (which require the addition of distilled water). The newer systems have reduced water loss to near zero by improvements in the batteries themselves and in the electrical systems which charge them. (JN)

Discusses: how thought experiments (TES) are presented and used in physics textbooks; how and why teachers include TES in their explanations; and what understandings students draw from TES. Indicates that TES are only one of a broad class of "acts of imagination" which are essential in physics education. (JN)

Working principles and operating characteristics of the extremely compact and highly efficient semiconductor lasers are explained. Topics include: the p-n junction; Fabry-Perot cavity; heterostructure semiconductor lasers; materials; emission characteristics; and single-frequency semiconductor lasers. Applications for semiconductor lasers include…

Explains two activities: (1) a "rotator demonstration" (a turntable, pendulum, chalk, and other materials), which can be used in many activities to demonstrate rotational concepts; and (2) an "Eskimo yo-yo," consisting of two balls (plus long strings and a glass tube) which rotate in opposite directions to show centripetal force. (JN)

Teachers from The Netherland's 26 higher technical colleges in need of a teaching qualification (called an "informatica") were able to obtain it by in-service training, organized and offered by universities. Types of courses offered and policy describing information technology activities to be developed in the country by 1989 are…

Faculty members are writing computer programs that could change the ways professors teach and students learn. Five examples of software are described including those for presenting mathematical concepts in architecture, staging a scene of a play, and an introductory course in plasma physics. (MLW)