Describes the most common type of science teacher preparation program in England in which a Bachelor's in Science degree is followed by professional training. Projects changes for the future training of physics teachers in the areas of initial training and inservice education. (CP)

Information from a small survey of physics textbooks suggests that girls are underrepresented in the text and in illustrations. Suggests that if the pattern is apparent in all physics textbooks, then this may be an indication of the cause of a paucity of girls in the physical sciences. (SA)

Argues that the correct use of positive and negative signs in textbooks is often ignored and that this misuse might be because the authors are unaware of some basic rules. (DDR)

Presents the Conceptual Understanding Program (CUP) as a means of helping first-year university physics students overcome their misconceptions in mechanics. Students work on exercises alone, then in threes, and finally as a class, which has resulted in high levels of participation and satisfaction among students. This strategy can be implemented…

Describes two Internet sites devoted to astronomy that will help students avoid information overload. The Leicester University site is strong on information while the other site, maintained by the Astro-Web Consortium, offers a host of useful links. Also discusses the advantages of offline browsers, a student-use must that shows only Web pages in…

Describes the evolution of the seven major physics syllabi used in all secondary schools in China and analyzes the shifts of these syllabi in terms of objectives, content, instructional hours and teaching methods. Suggests changes for China's future secondary-physics education, including the need for modern experimental equipment such as computers…

Summarized are the key features of the revolution in electronics, namely (1) capacity, (2) cost, (3) speed, and (4) size. Outlined also are some possible implications for the future with particular reference to telecommunications, medical services and education. (CS)

Argues that by examining which concepts of a particular area of physics are fundamental and which are defined, teachers can choose concepts for investigation that progress logically and should minimize students' misconceptions and confusion. (Author)

Illustrates how the details of a real-life traffic accident may be analyzed with simple physics to prove that evidence can be enough to convict a motorist of a serious offense. (DDR)

Discusses the benefits of using multimedia Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) as an alternative teaching method. CAL packages may provide more flexibility in course design, encourage student-centered learning, and help students of differing abilities and academic backgrounds. Also examines problems associated with the use of multimedia CAL such as…

Discusses the Internet and how it works, beginning with its origins in the U.S. military and covering such issues as clients and servers, upload and download, and the World Wide Web. (Author/PVD)

The Institute of Physics Publishing (IPP), a subsidiary body of the Institute of Physics (IOP), has used electronic publishing on the Internet as a major means of improving the speed of dissemination of physics information. The development of the Comprehensive Electronic Journals service is described along with recent enhancements and other…

The changes that have taken place in laboratory safety in the past two decades are examined. The way in which the United Kingdom's Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 is just now starting to have effect is described. The responsibility of teachers for the health and safety of their students is discussed. (KR)

Lists 31 useful physics-related Internet sites to help physicists who are just starting to use the Internet. The sites are also useful in teaching or to assist students in doing research. Sites have a range of sponsors including physics organizations, government agencies, universities, and corporations. (PVD)

Presents examples of experiments designed for high school students with the help of a microcomputer-based laboratory called Explorer. Argues that these tools enable students to investigate many principles of physics that were not feasible in the past. (DDR)