The social, economic, and educational background of Jamaican students is presented to show the difficulties of trying to teach physics. (DS)

Divides the stated aims of practical work, listed in some of the A-level syllabuses of the GCE examining boards, into four groups and discusses each: didactic aims, the development of skills, the scientific method, and affective aims. (GA)

Discusses the merits and the diversity of sandwich courses (academic study, industrial training, academic study), and explains how they are suitable to the needs of a large number of students. (GA)

Presents a description of the power station game as a simulation exercise topic in physics and society, namely the making of a decision which involves many aspects of technical knowledge. Discusses the results of evaluation of students' attitudes toward the game, and attributes that make simulation an attractive teaching option. (GA)

Provides a description of an experiment in which students use a standard ultraviolet and intense blue (UV/VIS) spectrophotometer to measure the amount and energy of light. Explains how a simple measurement of the transmission spectrum of sunglasses can reveal differences between brands and can illustrate the destruction of the earth's ozone layer.…

Describes an experiment that uses a bottle, a cork, and a wooden match to study students' explanations of what they observe to reveal misunderstandings about pressure and to produce some incorrect interpretations such as creation of a gradient of pressure. (DDR)

Argues that high school physics should be grounded in motivating contextual activities and connected to a philosophically and historically valid theoretical structure. Explains the large context problem approach and its effect on generating questions and problems. (DDR)

Presents an experiment that investigates the temperature of tungsten filaments using a car headlamp. Uses a spreadsheet program that facilitates extensive data manipulation. Gives students an awareness of the many mathematical techniques used in data analysis. (Author/JRH)

Investigated was the nature of teachers' ideas about force and gravity, changes in materials, and energy. Information was obtained by using interview-about-events and interview-about-instances techniques. Examples of teachers' conceptions and ways of thinking are included. (YP)

Adequate preparation of secondary physics teachers is vital to ensuring good physics teaching in schools. Presents a U.S. case study that describes an on-going program involving close collaboration between university science and education departments and also involving local schools. Introduces a new project, PhysTEC, which extends these ideas…

Energy policies are under review everywhere, as the world tries to meet targets for reducing climate change despite continuing population growth. A major change in energy patterns is needed, with the critical period for transition predictably happening when young people currently at school are in their middle years of their lives. This article…

Describes a modular approach to science scheduling in use at a polytechnic institution. Along with various course alternatives, students spend one year during training in an industrial setting. (CP)

Explains that the role of physics in a developing country should be relevant and productive. Discusses the state of research in physics, and concludes that it should be geared toward practical and local needs, and that adequate funding is vital. (GA)