Most likely, solar cells will play a significant role in this country's strategy to address the two interrelated issues of global warming and dependence on imported oil. The purpose of this paper is to present an explanation of how solar cells work at an introductory high school, college, or university physics course level. The treatment presented…

Highlights a student project to study heat loss in a high school. Project goals, excerpts from project recommendations (indicating that several have been implemented in the school), and project activities are described. Points out that the project was successful in terms of teaching physics in a practical nature. (Author/JN)

Presents a framework for teachers to use the thermodynamic system of popping corn to generate student interest. Examines the popping mechanism and the role of steam in, the heat required during, and the energy efficiency of the popping process. (MDH)