Analyzes data presented in a recent article (EJ 328 649) examining the relationship between A-level physics and mathematics and degree performance in engineering or physics. A grade of A in A-level physics predicted first class degree performance. (JM)

The Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park is the setting for a one-day laboratory exercise and evaluation of high school students' understanding of physics. The concepts and general techniques measured and the park's resources are discussed. Sample student responses are included. (JN)

Examines whether kindergarteners, second-graders, fourth-graders, and adults can extract relative weight information from observing collisions and lifting events, and if they can judge whether or not collisions are momentum-conserving. Subjects saw either videotapes of events or sequences of static images; younger children appeared to be…

Investigated what abilities and objectives can be measured on practical tests. Results suggest that these tests be composed of separate parts which measure the ability to perform an experiment and the ability to interpret and analyze an experiment. A brief description of the Dutch school system is included. (JN)

Presents 23 experiments, activities, field projects and computer programs in the biological and physical sciences. Instructional procedures, experimental designs, materials, and background information are suggested. Topics include fluid mechanics, electricity, crystals, arthropods, limpets, acid neutralization, and software evaluation. (ML)

An investigation of equity theory's power to predict students' commitment to college obtained different results in three desciplines. In political science, the major predictor was the comparison of one's group with another; in economics, the comparison within the membership group; and in physics, the internal standard. (MSE)

Explains the "Overview-Case Study Method" for teaching high school physics which has evolved from the author's experience/success with a program in which 90 percent of the high school's students take physics as an elective. Areas considered include methods, case studies, textbooks, multilevel physics, qualitative physics, and real-life…

Procedures for displaying computer-generated text and graphics to a large audience are inexpensive when a Fresnel-mirror projector is used. Although small liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) can be easily projected, large LCDs require some modification (which is described). Other devices with LCD displays (oscilloscopes, televisions, and pulse-height…

Shows how an electric stud finder (available from hardware stores for $15-20) is used to detect changes in capacitance produced by changes in thickness of a medium or in dielectric constant. Also describes how to construct an inexpensive motor from a battery, rubber bands, ceramic magnet, and copper wire. (DH)

Describes these tools for physics teaching: (1) stick with calibrations for measuring student reaction time; (2) compact high-pressure sodium lamps used to demonstrate spectra; (3) air pumps for fish tanks providing simple inexpensive motors; (4) a rotating manometer for measuring centripetal force; and (5) an apparatus for checking conservation…

Investigated the self-esteem of physics teachers of students taking pre-service physics teacher education courses. Findings indicate that students who dropped out from the courses had lower self-esteem than either students who satisfactorily completed them or similarly qualified students who did not take the courses. Implications for teacher…

Presents biology, chemistry, physics, and health activities, experiments, demonstrations, and computer programs. Includes mechanism of stomatal opening, using aquatic plants to help demonstrate chemical buffering, microbial activity/contamination in milk samples, computer computation of fitness scores, reservoir project, complexes of transition…

Describes a microcomputer-based, multichannel digital data acquisition system for acoustic signals. Hardware and software considerations are included. (JN)

The Advanced Physics Project for Independent Learning (Appil) consists of 10 units based on three themes, namely, materials, forces and fields, and waves. Discusses the content and aims of the project, its emphasis on student-centered learning, managerial advantages, characteristics of the teacher's role, resource implications, and other topics.…

Provides directions for setup and performance of two demonstrations. The first demonstrates the principles of Raoult's Law; using a simple apparatus designed to measure vapor pressure. The second illustrates the energy available from alcohol combustion (includes safety precautions) using an alcohol-fueled missile. (JM)