Compares student perceptions of their physics teachers' interpersonal behavior and teachers' self-perceptions of their behavior and their opinions about physics education in 1984 and 1993. Results indicate that teachers were more in favor of realistic teaching content in 1993 than in 1984 and behaved less dominantly and more cooperatively in 1993…

Considers the perspective that method is independent of subject matter and that certain areas might be better conceived of in terms of signs and interpretations rather than in terms of objects and interactions. Contains 32 references. (DDR)

Outlines a safer alternative to the traditional physics demonstration known as the "kicking wire" experiment. The new method eliminates the use of an open dish of mercury but is less dramatic in the visible effects it produces. (DDR)

Presents three designs for unusual boats that can be powered by flame, water, or sand. Suggests questions about extensions of these designs that could be useful for further exploration of the topic. (DDR)

Presents an experiment that investigates the temperature of tungsten filaments using a car headlamp. Uses a spreadsheet program that facilitates extensive data manipulation. Gives students an awareness of the many mathematical techniques used in data analysis. (Author/JRH)

Explains that in dynamics, the process of finding the direction of force acting on a moving object can be structured as a syllogism. Uses the syllogistic form of a scientific explanation task to help middle school students change their prior conceptions about force and motion. Reports four factors preventing students' use of deductive reasoning.…

Reports on an investigation of student understanding of the first law of thermodynamics. Involves students from a first-year university physics course and a second-year thermal physics course. Focuses on the ability of students to relate the first law to the adiabatic physics course. Discusses implications for thermal physics and mechanics…

Describes a novel method for inducing and measuring cosmic ray showers using a low-cost, microcomputer-based laboratory system. Uses low counting-rate radiation monitors in the reproduction of Bruno Rossi's classic experiment. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes the Electric Vehicle Education Program (EVEP) validated by the Georgia Department of Education and evaluated by the University of Georgia. Discusses the potential for the curriculum and training program and the program's impact on students and communities. (KHR)

Considers the translation from Latin of Newton's First Law (NFL) in an historical perspective. Shows that Newton's original yields two versions of complimentary meanings, one temporal and the other quantitative. Reviews the presentation of NFL in physics textbooks and notes a decline in the status of NFL in the physics curriculum. (Contains 72…

Compares junior high school students' conceptual changes about force and motion and their interest in science between a group whose instruction including sports experiential learning activities and a group who used traditional instruction. Examines students' conceptual changes and interests according to the degree of their sports experience before…

Investigates the use of a hands-on laboratory program to improve attitudes toward science and increase achievement levels in science knowledge among students in a 9th grade physical science course. Reports that students with regular laboratory instruction scored significantly higher in achievement of science knowledge than those without laboratory…

Explains how physics teaching can be more relevant for elementary and secondary students by integrating physics and earth science content that students can relate to and understand. Identifies and explains Earth contexts that can be appropriately implemented into the physics curriculum such as energy resources and radioactivity. (Author/YDS)

Describes an inquiry-based course that emphasizes integration of the sciences. Student teams pursue research projects of their own design using mathematics and physics to study biological phenomena. (Author/KHR)

Presents a science activity on making paper airplanes in which the basic laws of physics are introduced. Provides procedures to make paper airplanes with illustrations. (Author/KHR)