Lowering class dropout rates is the goal of the physics department at the University of Houston (Texas). Microcomputers, videotapes, and tutors are available to assist students. (Author/MLF)

Summarizes three approaches to physics teaching by focusing on the relationship between direction and guidance from a source of authority (instructional input), and opportunities for students to direct and control their own learning (student autonomy). (Author/SK)

Suggests using thematic approach for physics instruction based on the broad theme of energy resources. Presents physics pathways from student and lecturer viewpoints, and describes how the course operates. (SK)

Describes an experiment used to study dielectric properties of materials. Values of the dielectric loss tangent can be determined at low frequencies from Lissajous figures formed on an oscilloscope. Some mineral rock specimens show Debye-type relaxation peaks at frequencies in the region of 1 to 500 Hz. (Author/DS)

Reviews the historical development of thermometry and the origins of the Fahrenheit and Celsius temberature scales. (CS)

Twelve articles are presented on various aspects of physics, chemistry, and mathematics education in China. Emphasis is placed on the significant changes in educational policy that have taken place in response to changes in the political situation. Most of the articles deal with the newly compiled uniform textbooks for high schools. (DB)

Presents a practical problem to students in a junior-level thermodynamics course in which a human body regulates its own internal temperature. This problem can be utilized as well (with modification) in an introductory physics course for life science majors. (HM)

Discusses some examples of Fresnel diffraction. Diffraction effects caused by round holes, round obstacles, narrow slits, narrow obstacles, and transparent obstacles are included. (HM)

Describes an undergraduate physics experiment for studying Curie temperature and Curie constant of a ferromagnetic material. The exchange field (Weiss field) has been estimated by using these parameters. (HM)

Presents a review prepared by the British Meteorological Society which covers 51 films for use in teaching meteorology in higher education or secondary schools. (HM)

Discusses some basic physical ideas about light scattering and describes a simple Raman spectrometer, a single prism monochromator and a multiplier detector. This discussion is intended for British undergraduate physics students. (HM)

The author presents the argument that the past few years, in terms of new discoveries, insights, and questions raised, have been among the most productive in the history of physics. Selected for discussion are some of the most important new developments in physics research. (Author/SA)

Describes activities appropriate for involving middle school students as active participants in the learning process. Topics discussed include archaeology, bulletin boards, dramatizations, physics experiments using the human body, oceanography, and ecology. (CS)

Described are graphic computer simulations of laboratory experiments in modern physics developed for student use prior to each laboratory and which replace pre-lab briefing. Experimental simulation is intended to familiarize the students with the experiment, and to allow the students to try a larger number of "experimental" combinations of…

Described is the use of the Doppler Effect with microwaves in the measurement of the acceleration due to gravity of falling objects. The experiments described add to the repertoire of quantitative student microwave experiments. (Author/DS)