Discusses the programs and packages of a computer-assisted instruction project called Computational Physics Teaching Laboratory, in which students solve simulated physics at a computer terminal with visual display. (MLH)

Discusses teaching science at the secondary and college levels and proposes a one-year unified science course organized around the human system. It would emphasize the basic principles of biology, chemistry, and physics. (SL)

Describes a card game that demonstrates that most metric units used in beginning physics are composed of six fundamental units. (MLH)

Discusses the effects that participation in a three-two, liberal arts-engineering program has had on a physics department at a liberal arts college. Among the effects are an increase in the number of physics majors and increased enrollments in physics department courses. (MLH)

Presents details of the course and videocassette system used in optional videotaped lectures developed for a personalized system of instruction (PSI) quantum mechanics course. Summarizes a comprehensive evaluation of the course and optional lectures. (MLH)

Shares some strategies for encouraging students to notice their environment in the broadest sense through using the Socratic method. Focuses on specific examples with historical significance such as exploring the period of a pendulum. (DDR)

Describes a study in which teaching and learning activities are designed using a cognitive conflict strategy. Focuses on the effectiveness of these activities in classroom research in pre-university courses in Botswana and South Africa. Contains 39 references. (DDR)

Describes an activity that integrates chemistry, physics, and a Native American legend to help students imitate the thought processes of scientists who have observed chemical decomposition and the refraction of light. Includes a laboratory experiment for sugar decomposition. (DKM)

Details an investigation concerned with the composition of a grape to illustrate how food and nutrition topics can drive inquiry-oriented science learning. Students design experiments that surround the development of a fictitious new beverage. (DDR)

Ray tracing is a method that allows the creation of photo-realistic images on a computer. This article describes a shareware ray tracing program called PovRay and includes some ideas on how PovRay can be used in teaching and in 3-D geometry, physics, and other high school and university subjects. (Author/AIM)

Presents science activities used to teach 7th-grade students about the atom. Examines student misconceptions, age-appropriateness, and conflicts between state and federal science standards. (DKM)

Describes a study that compares the performance of introductory physics students on two examination problems. One problem is qualitative and similar to those used in an inquiry approach. The second problem is a typical quantitative problem. Those students enrolled in the inquiry-based introductory course performed significantly better than those…

Describes the development and analysis of the Test of Understanding Graphs in Kinematics (TUG-K) and reports the results of a study aimed at uncovering student problems with interpreting kinematics graphs. Proposes a model for creating multiple choice tests which can be used as diagnostic tools. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Argues that graduate students who are expected to be physics instructors require training to be effective in the physics teaching environment. Describes and documents the content and fiscal components of a successful graduate student teacher-training program. (DDR)

Describes a program for preparation of mathematics and science teachers that includes close connections between the students' science courses, their experiences in the schools, and learning how to teach. The program is a joint project of the faculties of science and education. (DDR)