Assessed Nussbaum's developmental model (SE 024 045) using a new sample given no special instructions in spherical earth/gravity concepts. Also identified distribution of notions among students (N=159 in grades three to eight), compared distribution of notions at each age level with those in other studies, and explored role of individual…

Describes a two-semester laboratory program designed to motivate students. The program consists of computer-oriented modules and discovery approach laboratory exercises. Students complete similar computer/laboratory material during the first semester but elect one of three tracks during the second semester (computer, every-day life, and…

Discusses development of a multi-media learning center at Illinois Institute of Technology, focusing on strategy used to obtain National Science Foundation funding and the center's operation. The latter includes hardware, location and physical layout, courseware, public relations, staffing, student use, and future endeavors. Also provides an…

Microcomputer-based instrumentation packages enable computers to collect continuous analog data, convert data to digital form for processing, and display results on monitor. Discusses classroom advantages of these packages, describes one package for teaching harmonic motion, and provides a list of currently available packages (including vendor and…

Describes the history of, and research activities and current problems at Tsukuba Science City, Japan's new municipal complex of research laboratories and educational facilities. About 30 percent of Japan's government research laboratories, as well as Tsukuba University, are located in the complex. (JN)

Discusses implications of the recent actions of Federal agencies, through export control regulations, to control the open exchange of scientific ideas. Reactions of the National Academy of Sciences and several professional physics organizations are described. Impact on foreign students and publication is also discussed. (CS)

Describes the format and lists course content of a university-based workshop for elementary school teachers who require additional training because they may lack experience in performing experiments, demonstrations, and observations related to physics in elementary science courses. (Author/SK)

Presents NASA astronomy publications by subject: Earth; Moon; Mercury and Venus; Mars; Jupiter and Saturn; Planets (general); Comets, Meteors, and Asteroids; Sun; Astronomy from Various NASA Missions; Miscellaneous Astrophysics; Telescopes and Instrumentation; and Extra-Terrestrial Life. Includes listing of NASA Technical Conference Proceedings…

David Ausubel's learning theory was used as a framework for the content organization of an experimental Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) course in physics. Evaluation suggests that the combination of PSI as a method of instruction and Ausubel's theory for organization might result in better learning outcomes. (Author/JMD)

Investigates spontaneous reasoning of 709 French, Belgian, and British students in elementary dynamics using the relations between force, energy and motion as the study topic. Students were selected from the last year at secondary school to the third year at university. (HM)

Summarizes the history of underwater acoustics and describes related research studies and teaching activities at the University of Birmingham (England). Also includes research studies on transducer design and mathematical techniques. (SK)

Describes an experimental setup which allows the student to investigate the resonance characteristics of a vibrating plate using a small, circular steel plate clamped around its perpiphery. (HM)

Comparing the secondary physics courses developed by West Germany's Institute for Science Education (IPN) with similar British curriculum projects, the author argues that the differences in style, content, and reception of these curriculums are related to the social locations of the British teachers and the German academics who devised them.…

Described are experiments used in the "Physical Science and Man" course at Hartley CAE which enable determinations of efficiencies of two energy conversion processes, namely, electricity into heat and burning gas to produce heat. Activities for comparing the processes are suggested. (DS)

This is a set of recommendations concerning maximum teaching loads of physics teachers at high schools, two-year and four-year colleges. (Author/SA)