On Dec. 27, 2006, we drove with our children and their families to a cabin we rented on the grounds of the "YMCA of the Rockies" in Estes Park, CO, for a few days of winter relaxation and recreation. On the night of the 27th a snowstorm dropped over half a meter of new snow, creating a beautiful winter wonderland. For the next couple of days the…

Describes a demonstration using a heated wire to illustrate the phase change from the body-centered cubic form of iron to the face-centered cubic form. (MLH)

Scientists often use the "slingshot effect" (also called the "gravity assist") of the gravitational field of a planet to increase or decrease the velocity of a spacecraft. Examples of this effect, puzzling aspects, a qualitative explanation, details of necessary calculations, a thermodynamic analogy, and other topics are discussed. (JN)

Photographs of snow covered buildings are used to illustrate thermal radiation from various types of structures and the effect of insulation on heat loss. (CP)