Traces the development of college physics laboratories. Discusses the motivating forces that produced these laboratories, sources of experiments and the first and most influential laboratory manual prepared by E. C. Pickering for use at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (JN)

In the 1930s, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar found a fundamental parameter that determines the density of stars. Although recognized as a major discovery, it was generally unaccepted by astronomers because the work was ridiculed by a preeminent astronomer (Arthur Eddington). The controversy and current understanding of stellar evolution are discussed.…

Describes the heating of a baby's milk bottle (an exercise in modelling) and the interaction between lecturer and students as they formulate the problem, produce a tentative solution and interpret the solution. (Author/JN)

Describes: (1) an apparatus which provides a simple method for measuring Stefan's constant; (2) a simple phase shifting circuit; (3) a radioactive decay computer program (for ZX81); and (4) phase difference between transformer voltages. (Author/JN)

Discusses a common misconception in the area of electric circuits at the level of introductory college physics. The data, collected from clinical interviews, shed light on the cognitive sources of misconception. Also discusses some implications for laboratory approaches used in science courses. (Author/SK)

Describes the learning theories of G. Stanley Hall and Edward L. Thorndike and their impact on physics instruction in the twentieth century. (SK)

An advanced undergraduate laboratory experiment in inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy is described. Tunnel junctions were fabricated, the tunneling spectra of several molecules absorbed on the surface of aluminum oxide measured, and mode assignments made for several of the prominent peaks in spectra using results obtained from optical…

Discusses and lists, in table form, the specifications and characteristics of 28 low-cost digital multimeters, including jacks, number of V ranges, max V, cost, approximate percent accuracy, current scales, display, battery life, volume, and manufacturers. Quality of construction, ease of repair, and similar characteristics not reported. (SK)

Provides information about and suggestions for using orbital satellite-carrying amateur radio (OSCAR) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellites for instructional purposes. (JN)

A general strategy and specific examples for demonstrations in large physics classes are given. Such "action" demonstrations may involve students moving around the class to demonstrate molecular behavior in different states of matter, and effect of heat in changing state. (JN)

Outlined are procedures for using satellites including the mechanics (plotting satellite positions and obtaining readable signals) and secondary and college activities (using Oscar 8 data telemetry, obtaining weather pictures, using a computer). (DC)

A general discussion of prediction and the use of models as a means of understanding reality is provided, focusing on the application of mathematical models to various scientific disciplines and its role in experimentation. (DC)

Five atomic theory activities feasible for high school students to perform are described based on the following models: (1) Dalton's Uniform Sphere Model; (2) Thomson's Raisin Pudding Model; (3) Rutherford's Nuclear Model; (4) Bohr's Energy Level Model, and (5) Orbital Model from quantum mechanics. (SK)

Discusses how TOPS devices can be improved. New chemistry-physics devices are offered in hopes of encouraging teachers to invent other small devices for projection on a TOPS projector-adaptor. (HM)

Discusses the history of the participation of women in science, particularly physics, and the reasons for the differences between men and women. Discrimination, although difficult to document, is considered in the article. (SA)