Presents activities that utilize balloons to encourage students to explore questions related to scientific concepts. Concepts explored include light, heat, charged ions, polarization, and the sense of smell. (MDH)

An astrophysics course based on the constructivist approach to science teaching is described. The study of galactic structure is given as an example. Direct experiences and observations, representative-symbolic language, organized knowledge, and formal strategies are emphasized. (KR)

Describes a five-week summer program for elementary teachers designed to develop content knowledge in physics through immersion in the subject and cooperative learning. Teachers indicated they changed their science teaching orientation toward process and content and increased their awareness of the power of demonstrations and student-generated…

Compared is the modern science center and the traditional museum. The science center was evaluated through systematic observations which described visitors activities not as random manipulations, but as learning activities that lead to both enjoyment and understanding. (KR)

Described is an interdisciplinary unit on pseudoscience which combines interest in unidentified flying objects (UFO's), physics, astronomy, art, and english composition. The different phases of the lesson, assignments, and evaluation are discussed. A list of books available on UFOs is provided. (CW)

A simple experimental arrangement that makes it possible to simultaneously observe and compare on a screen the two interference patterns produced by reflected and transmitted light from incident white light impinging on a soap film directly is described. Procedures and illustrated effects are discussed. (CW)

Two experiments which can be used to illustrate light diffraction using compact disks are detailed. Included are procedures, computations, and probable results. (CW)

Presents a study where astronomy teachers (n=66) try to predict student (n=330) outcomes on astronomy and related topics pre- and posttest. Suggested findings include a course in astronomy did not result in an overall knowledge gain, teachers fared well at predicting prior student knowledge, and teachers vastly overestimated student gain in…

Analyzes the presentations of electric current in physics textbooks. Concludes that from 1891 to 1991 most textbooks used a fluid model, which predated Faraday, for explaining direct-current circuits. (PR)

The history of atomic theory is outlined from earliest times up to the orbital model and describes a corresponding teaching method. The historical part of the paper emphasizes social and philosophical aspects in the development of atomic theory. The second part of the paper describes a method for teaching this material at the secondary level.…

Describes making a magnetic pendulum similar to those seen in novelty shops. Presents an open-ended activity and a more structured activity using this pendulum. (PR)

Provides instructions for building a radio telescope for less than $120. (PR)

Describes activities with a cartesian diver, a marginally buoyant float. (PR)

Describes a physics-curriculum project that utilizes hypermedia and an historical, conceptual approach. Argues that textbooks are often boring and are inadequate tools for student learning. Contains 32 references. (DDR)

Details an eight-year project designed to reform a physics curriculum using a philosophical, historical perspective and inservice teacher training. Includes information on the development and implementation of the project as well as details about the teacher's guide. (DDR)