Discusses a role-playing technique used in a physics of music course that introduces students in a course for nonscientists to the thought processes and experiences of being a scientist. Students select a research project and present results as a journal article or an oral presentation at a scientific "meeting." (Author/JN)

Outlines advantages derived from constructing and using a Projectable Basic Electronics Kit and provides: (1) list of components; (2) diagrams of 10 finished components (resistor; capacitor; diode; switch; bulb; transistor; meter; variable capacitor; coil; connecting terminal); and (3) diode and transistor activities. (JN)

Discusses theory of the rotating mirror, its use in measuring the velocity of the electrical signal in wires, and the velocity of light. Concludes with a description of the manometric flame apparatus developed for analyzing sound waves. (SK)

Explores relationships between role-specific self-concept, as the dependent variable, and demographic data, constituting the independent variables, which included type and level of course, science letter grade from the previous semester, and gender of secondary school students (N=293) of grades 7-12. (CS)

Highlights scientific accomplishments in 1981. Focuses on space sciences, medicine, geology, chemistry, physics, zoology, paleontology, environmental problems, and genetics including such topics as the Space Shuttle, Mount St. Helen's endangered species, genetic engineering, and the scientists associated with these accomplishments. (JN)

Provides science activities and teaching hints appropriate for the middle school sciences including making a domino "gunpowder fuse" that detonates a mousetrap "bomb," using fishing rods and bicycles as teaching aids, constructing lead holders, and teaching chromatography. (DC)

Discusses aims of educational projects sponsored by British Petroleum Company (BPC) and British Gas Corporation (BGC). Includes rationale for including technology in school curricula and types of curriculum materials produced by BPC and BGC. (SK)

Provides an explanation and background material for the use of time lines to predict positions of five planets. (DS)

Briefly reviews different methods to evaluate student laboratory work and describes the procedures followed in using laboratory performance tests at Mercer University. Cites five sample performance-test tasks and materials needed. (SK)

Describes a new pedagogical approach to electromagnetic theory, in which the displacement current and the Galilean relativity principle are introduced before discussion of the Faraday induction term. Rationale for the alternate order of introducing these concepts and laws is explained, relative to their historical development. (CS)

An empirical enquiry into the nature of academic disciplines is described. The main similarities and differences of six academic disciplines--physics, history, biology, sociology, mechanical engineering and law--are outlined. Different research styles are identified and characterized as urban and rural research styles. (Author/MLW)

Presents an interview with Fletcher G. Watson, best known to physics teachers as codirector of Harvard Project Physics. Dr. Watson speaks of his career as a science educator, history of science, Piaget, state of science education in the United States, and curriculum projects, among other topics. (SK)

Demonstrates, using specific problems, how various energy units can be converted to joules and power units to watts. Conversion tables are provided for power, energy, generation values, thermal insulation, consumption values, sunlight, with tables also on metric prefixes and time conversions. (SK)

Reports results of a survey of 398 physics departments. General areas considered include undergraduate majors, programs, teaching, and undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants. States that faculty rarely are given release time for new course or curriculum development. (SK)

Suggests using musical instruments to demonstrate physics concepts. Topics include: pitch and frequency; string vibrations; string-resonator system; wind instruments; harmonic content; transients; scales and temperament; psycho-acoustical affects; and electronic music. (SK)