Enumerates characteristics of the physics curriculum at a high school designed for gifted students in science. Details areas of concern, observed changes, and particular management strategies in teaching physics to a very large number of students. (CS)

Describes two simple physics experiments demonstrating the spin on baseballs or golfballs and the observed effects of falling coins when released together. (CS)

Presents a description of the curricula in physics at 124 universities, colleges, and polytechnical institutes in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. General information is provided on examination requirements for admission and procedures for making application to the schools. (SA)

Presents a description of the curricula in physics at 16 universities, colleges, and polytechnical institutes in Scotland. The entry requirements are summarized and procedures for making application are given. (SA)

Describes the function of the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Its establishment and the interests of some of the researchers there, are discussed. (SA)

An overhead projector, projection screen, and clear tungsten Filament light bulb operated through a dimmer or variac switch are used to demonstrate the fact that black appearance of sunspots is due only to contrast and that sunspots are bright. (SK)

Describes a 3.33-cm wavelength (9 GHz) microwave system that achieves a high overall signal sensitivity and a well-collimated beam with moderate-size equipment. The system has been used to develop microwave versions of the Michelson interferometer, Bragg reflector, Brewster's law and total internal reflection, and Young's interference experiment.…

Describes experiments and apparatus to: (1) allow astronomy students to test resolution limit of their eyes at several wavelengths; (2) analyze laser mode phases by interferometry; (3) demonstrate a Cartesian diver with an overhead projector; and (4) generate conical beams of light for smoke-chamber demonstrations. (JN)

Reports findings of a survey of British universities (N=27) and polytechnics and colleges (N=30) which investigated reasons for a 75 percent (1979-80 and 1980-81) increase in the numbers of students training to teach physics. Presents information on sex, age, degrees, interesting cases, and size of groups. (DC)

Describes mathematics of the nonliner relationships between a constant-speed, capstan-driven magnetic tape transport mechanism and a constant-angular-velocity take-up reel. The relationship, derived from the sum of a partial, serves in recognition of a finite tape. Thickness can serve as an example of rotational kinematics. (Author/SK)

Provides an annotated list of books, textbooks, and films on superfluid helium. Also lists research reports/reviews arranged by category, including among others, early history, microscopic understanding, ions in helium, helium in rotation, vortices and quantization, helium films and constricted geometrics, persistence flow, and superfluid helium…

Suggesting a distinction between student attitudes toward science as a school subject (SUBATT) and toward the social implications of science (SOCATT), reports results of a study using various measures focusing on SOCATT and SUBATT of approximately 2,200 students in 33 schools, including findings related to sex differences. (DS)

Following a brief introduction, an annotated listing of literature and teaching aids on lasers is presented. Categories include: Background Materials; Historical References; General References and Textbooks; Specialized References; Reviews; Articles; Films; Laser Courses; Equipment, Demonstrations, and Experiments; Laser Safety; and Lasers and…

Describes the reconstruction of a conventional thermodynamics curriculum using the Galperin theory of stage-by-stage formation of mental actions and Landa's description of the "through" systematization of knowledge, and discusses the generalizability of the procedures followed in developing the plan for instruction. A 33-item…

Discussions are presented for implementing photoacoustic spectroscopy as a technique for describing the photoacoustic effect. This technique makes it possible to study optical absorption in samples which are usually difficult to study. It is suggested that this approach makes understanding of the photoacoustic effect accessible even at the…