Interactive-engagement (IE) techniques consistently enhance conceptual learning gains relative to traditional-lecture courses, but attitudinal gains typically emerge only in small, inquiry-based curricula. The current study evaluated whether a "scalable IE" curriculum--a curriculum used in a large course (~130 students per section) and…

Typically, we teach the simplified friction equation of the form F[subscript s] = [mu][subscript s]N for static friction, where F[subscript s] is the maximum static friction, [mu][subscript s] is the coefficient of static friction, and "N" is the normal force pressing the surfaces together. However, this is a bit too simplified, and…

IT WAS THE PURPOSE OF THIS RESEARCH TO ASSESS THE CONTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN SCIENCE COURSES AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY INFLUENCE STUDENTS' UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENTISTS, THE AIMS AND METHODS OF SCIENCE AND THE SCIENTIFIC ENTERPRISE. THE SAMPLE CONSISTED OF 1,275 PHYSICS STUDENTS AND 1,009 CHEMISTRY STUDENTS FROM HIGH SCHOOLS IN IOWA, KANSAS, NEBRASKA,…

A project addressed the lack of rural school laboratory facilities and limited opportunities for staff development by training 22 high school physics teachers in rural Missouri to use videotaped "virtual" laboratory experiments and student data-collection worksheets. Surveys identified 19 topics for which physics teachers reported…

In this article, the author describes his experience conducting an inquiry investigation in his classroom in which high school physics students design, create, and race a solar-powered vehicle. Students learn invaluable science, technology, mathematics, communication, and critical thinking skills. Fueled by their knowledge, creativity, and the…

An American Institute of Physics survey was modified to determine major physics topics emphasized in small Missouri high schools and teachers' perceived adequacy to teach them. Data tables show the emphasis that 103 Missouri teachers placed on 38 physics topics, compared to national counterparts, as well as teachers' perceptions of their knowledge…

The purpose of this safety manual is to provide a resource to help manage and minimize potential risks in science classrooms where students spend up to 60% of instructional time engaged in hands-on activities. This manual contains information on standards, legal aspects, and responsibilities for science safety; general laboratory safety for…

Oceantides are not typically high in our consciousness here in Missouri, but in teaching astronomy and physical science the subject always comes up, and teachers of physical science and astronomy are all quite familiar with the textbook explanations. Our goal here is not to explain tides but to make some suggestions about how, on their own,…

THE GENERAL PHYSICS CURRICULUM IS PLANNED FOR THOSE WHOSE GENERAL ABILITY IS BETTER THAN AVERAGE AND IS OFFERED IN GRADES 11 OR 12. GENERAL OBJECTIVES ARE, TO DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING THROUGH THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD, TO UNDERSTAND BASIC PHYSICAL LAWS AND MAN'S PLACE IN THE UNIVERSE, AND TO DEVELOP A SCIENTIFIC ABILITY AND INTEREST. ELEVEN UNITS OF…

In order to study the effectiveness of programed material in problem solving, four programed lessons were constructed and administered by audio-tape, 35mm slides, and a printed manual. The details of these programs, as well as the tests to evaluate them, are described. An outline is presented of a multi-media approach to technical physics of which…

THE SYSTEMATIC USE OF MOTIVATING MATERIALS WAS DEVELOPED AND EVALUATED THROUGH THE TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT OF A VIDEO-SOUND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PROGRAMED TELEVISION TO INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS. FIVE PHYSICS PROGRAMS WERE DEVELOPED AND RECORDED ON VIDEOTAPE. EACH OF THE FIVE PROGRAMS HAD SEQUENCES PRECEDING IT WHICH WERE DESIGNED TO MOTIVATE THE STUDENT…