To improve the testing of students' skills in performing laboratory experiments, 92 Israeli high school physics teachers participated in the development of a list of weighted laboratory skills. Sensory-motor coordination was found to be a significant measured factor. Factors affecting reliability were also noted. (GDC)

Discusses a study which examined the last factor of Piaget's model of intelligence-functioning. Sought to determine if empirical evidence could be formed to support the existence of assimilation, disequilibrium, accommodation, and organization in the learning of physics. Naturalistic data provided support for the Piagetian functioning model of…

Describes a program established by the Polytechnic of North London to encourage a range of pupils to continue their studies in science, mathematics, and engineering. Highlights the approach taken in two physics sessions and provides an assessment of the program's impact on students and teachers. (ML)

Discusses some contributions chemists can make in the investigation of crime. Describes the optical properties of materials and defines the refractive index. Explains the refractive indices for liquids and for solids, and provides laboratory exercises for determining both. (TW)

Traces the development of instruments used in spectrophotometry. Discusses how spectrophotometric measurements are made. Describes the color comparator, the filter photometer, and the spectrophotometer. Outlines the evolution of optical systems, including light sources, the monochromator, the photodetector, double-beam optics, and split-beam…

Describes: (1) the construction of a variable-volume resonator and Raleigh-disk resonance detector from simple materials; and (2) a learning aid for performing 60 experiments in basic electricity and electronics (consisting of a circuit board, components, and mask sheets). Illustrative experiments are included for both apparatus. (DH)

A "nuclear arms race semester" achieved depth and breadth when several single-discipline approaches to nuclear studies were unified through an integrating seminar. Components included American history, freshmen composition, physics, and the seminar. The program was successful for students and faculty, supporting unified studies approach…

Explains the principles of the Doppler ultrasound technique and reviews its potential applications to the teaching of cardiovascular physiology. Identifies the instrumentation needed for this technique; provides examples and illustrations of the waveforms from the ultrasound blood velocimeter. (ML)

Examines several areas to be considered in developing physics syllabi. They include (1) the objectives of physics teaching and learning; (2) physics as an experience, based on realistic expectations of what 14- to 16-year-olds are capable of; and (3) the kinds of experiences in which students can succeed (including computer experiences). (JN)

Describes three demonstrations/activities that involve forces: (1) a canoe-like boat made from copper window screen; (2) magnetic forces with a paper clip and ceramic magnetic; and (3) an "icemobile" machine that cuts ice cubes without an obvious source of energy. (DH)

Evaluates the Measurement Module (TEL-Atomic, Incorporated), a real time data capture and display instrument which (according to the manufacturer) was designed primarily for use in demonstrations. Includes comments on the module's specifications and features, software, documentation, and student laboratory use. The module is compatible with Apple…

Outlines three projects which have been designed for teaching electronics to ages 11-13, 13-16, and 16-18. Aims, content, approach, and equipment are discussed with guidelines for teacher use. Indicates that work with microprocessors (alongside Nuffield style analogue work) should help digital electronics receive greater emphasis in secondary…

Describes how color graphics are built up on microcomputer displays and how a range of colors can be produced. Discusses the logic of color formation, noting that adding/subtracting color can be conveniently demonstrated. Color generating techniques in physics (resistor color coding and continuous spectrum production) are given with program…

This study used a microcomputer program which diagnosed and remediated an alternative conception of velocity. Results show computer simulations are credible representations of reality and that the remedial part of the program produces significant conceptual changes in students holding the alternative conception. (Author/JN)

Discusses problems and pitfalls of working with single-pan balances and methods used to advertise their accuracy. Investigated manufacturers knowledge of buoyancy effects, relating provisions and recommendations made by various companies. Provides a routine for intercalibration of weight using dummy weights of approximately known mass. (JM)