Reviews various science activities investigating polarized light. (SL)

Describes a student investigation of a reverse flame in a atmosphere of methane that won second place in the physics division of the International Science and Engineering Fair. Includes a discussion of falling and fracturing behavior, specifically dealing with chimneys, trees, pencil point, stirring rods, and chalk. (BT)

Discusses the change in pressure as a balloon expands. Describes the pressure change in a spherical soap bubble and a rubber membrane on the tube. Provides demonstrations when two balloons are connected by a tube. Lists five further reading materials. (YP)

Methods and optics of perceiving color in a black-and-white grating are described. A sample grating which produces the effect is included. (JN)

A homemade device for testing particle scattering is described. Also described are experiments in zero gravity conducted in free fall in the cargo space of an airplane belonging to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (JN)

Explains and illustrates strange events which occur when two pendulums interact through a variety of interconnections. Phenomena addressed include: pendulums coupled by a spring, rod, or string; vertical and rotational oscillations, and synchronous and mirror-image swinging. A resonant-spring pendulum and a Wilberforce pendulum are also discussed.…

Presents a field formula for calculating speed and flight efficiency of soaring birds. By estimating the size of the bank angle and timing the complete circle, the observer can determine the speed and circling radius on a chart provided. Lift coefficients and flight characteristics of several birds are also discussed. (DH)

Describes an experiment illustrating a lesson in wave interference using bright colors in a soap film. Illustrations provided. (MA)

A retroreflector is a mirror that removes distortion from a light beam. Describes experiments using the retroreflector as well as related phenomena. (JN)

A discussion of the aerodynamics of a boomerang as it relates to that of a golf ball. (BB)

Describes the necking of polymer sheets that occurs when they are stretched. Discusses the effect and the mechanisms of necking. Lists four references. (YP)

Three classic visual toys are discussed and instructions are given for their construction. These are moire patterns, kaleidoscope, and stereoscope. (MP)

Detailed descriptions are given of two procedures for measuring the radius of the earth, one using a rule and the other a stopwatch. (MP)

Examines the phenomenon of water drops that float on water at room temperature. Describes experiments that have been done to study this phenomenon. (MA)

Discusses forces that shape the behavior of water as a drop meanders down a windowpane. A homemade apparatus for studying meanders is described along with several experiments. Contact angles, molecule attraction, surface area, air tension, and gravity drag forces are some of the topics addressed. (DH)