Describes a dry- lab" experiment for the college freshman laboratory, in which the essential features of Browian motion are given principles, using the Monte Carlo technique. Calculations principles, using the Monte Carlo technique. Calculations are carried out by a computation sheme based on computer language. Bibliography. (LC)

Herbert Simon (Nobel prize-winning economist/professor) expresses his views on human and artificial intelligence, problem solving, inventing concepts, and the future. Includes comments on expert systems, state of the art in artificial intelligence, robotics, and "Bacon," a computer program that finds scientific laws hidden in raw data.…

Provided in two separate annotated lists are technical and nontechnical astronomy books. Categories in the latter group include: general astronomy; astronomy textbooks; amateur astronomy; astronomy history; life on other worlds; astrophysics; the solar system; space exploration; and the sun. (JN)

Because voltage is a difficult concept to comprehend, it is expected that textbook authors would be clear/consistent in their presentation. Presents 11 examples in which the concept is explained or used (taken from one book), suggesting that the presentation makes it difficult for students to develop an understanding of voltage. (JN)

Investigated relationship between students (N=1008) preparation in high school physics/chemistry and success in college chemistry as measured by a final letter grade of B- or better. Results indicate that most well-prepared students (defined as having had previous experience in chemistry, physics, and mathematics) do well in general college…

Describes two kinematics/dynamics programs (Apple II) easily adaptable to other microcomputers. Kept simple, the programs allow teacher/student to control forces acting on a particle by introducing force laws in programs or by using game paddles/joystick. Discusses equations used and provides program listings. (JN)

Use of diagnostic testing (for mathematics skills) and multiple-choice, computer-graded homework in reducing dropout from general physics is discussed. Indicates that these strategies were successful without sacrificing academic or grading standards. Includes list of topics on the diagnostic math test and sample homework problem set (in…

Discusses ways computers are being used in condensed-matter physics by experimenters and theorists. Experimenters use them to control experiments and to gather and analyze data. Theorists use them for detailed predictions based on realistic models and for studies on systems not realizable in practice. (JN)

A complete listing of a projectile motion program for the Apple II microcomputer is provided. A discussion of this computer simulation and a table with variables used in the program (as well as their meanings) can be found in SE 533 596. (JN)

Traces the development of electrical engineering (EE) from its roots of academic physics in the 1890s to a discipline with its own priorities and departmental structure. Includes a description of the first EE course offered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). (JN)

Highlights "Graduate Student Survey" and "Survey of Physics and Astronomy Bachelor's Degree Recipients." Among findings reported are those indicating that many foreign students are not competing for jobs with American PhDs, more 1981/82 graduates (5 percent) received no job offers than 1980/81 graduates (3 percent). (JN)

Discusses the importance of teaching the Bohr atom at both freshman and advanced levels. Focuses on the development of Bohr's ideas, derivation of the energies of the stationary states, and the Bohr atom in the chemistry curriculum. (SK)

Describes the scanning electron microscope, including detection signals (secondary, backscattered, and absorbed electrons and x-rays) sample handling, and applications in various science areas. (SK)

Describes a microcomputer-controlled system which determines the current/voltage characteristics of a resistor, lamp, and diode, detailing system elements, construction, and providing printout of the program developed to provide control and arithmetic functions necessary to complete the experiment. (SK)

A thermal oscillator is a self-sustained, nonlinear oscillating system. One part of the system vibrates continuously because of the transfer of heat. Four such devices, two new and two demonstrated in the 19th century are described. Although each depends on the periodic redistribution of heat, they are all quite different. (Author/JN)