Describes and evaluates introductory physics homework problems done in conjunction with student-performed demonstrations. Discusses them within a process approach to instruction consistent with Piaget's developmental theory. (MLH)

Describes an interactive computer-assisted linear least-squares curve-fitting program that allows students to generate basic tables, plots, and fits to their data. (MLH)

Describes the topics covered and methods used in a liberal arts astronomy course on photographing the night sky. (MLH)

Describes the basic acoustical principles of percussion instruments whose vibrating members are multidimensional. (MLH)

Describes acoustical systems utlilized for mapping ocean floors. (SL)

Provides an historical chronology of events related to understanding the photoelectric effect. Focuses on the early history, the mystery of the photoelectric effect, the contributions of Albert Einstein and Robert Millikan to the field, and hands-on activities that demonstrate the phenomenon to students. (DDR)

Describes how to construct a form of a Kelvin Electrostatics Generator from readily available components and provides an explanation of how it works. The device can generate 10-12 mm long sparks in the air. (DDR)

Provides a description of an experiment in which students use a standard ultraviolet and intense blue (UV/VIS) spectrophotometer to measure the amount and energy of light. Explains how a simple measurement of the transmission spectrum of sunglasses can reveal differences between brands and can illustrate the destruction of the earth's ozone layer.…

Describes a procedure used to measure force and pressure in elastic arteries. Discusses the physics of the procedure and recommends the use of bovine arteries. Explains the preparation of the arteries for the procedure. (DDR)

Focuses on three main issues emerging from studies of conceptual development: (1) young children's naive theories of the world; (2) how innate constraints in conceptual development work; and (3) how innate and sociocultural constraints are integrated. Maintains that early development of core domains of thought (naive psychology, physics, and…

Draws from studies in the sociology of scientific knowledge to create a new perspective for understanding school science. Merges ethnography and discourse analysis to study science-in-the-making in a physics classroom. Investigates local conceptual ecologies. Contains 55 references. (DDR)

Provides an account of the instruction of university-level introductory physics courses using a framework characterized by curiosity-driven inquiry in science and science teaching. Describes the role of the instructor as providing students with the incentive to learn science through their pursuit of personally meaningful questions. Contains 25…

First-year students (n=369) at an engineering institute were divided into experimental and control groups and given pre- and post-tests. Experimental groups were taught force concepts in mechanics in a constructivist way. Results found the new method helped students understand the interaction idea of the force concept. (MKR)

Describes a technique that uses a helium neon laser, a steel rule, a wooden rule, and a piece of paper to measure the diameter of a hair using the diffraction of light. Details on technique, mathematics, and sources of error are provided. (DDR)