The authors describe a Modeling Instruction program that places an emphasis on the construction and application of conceptual models of physical phenomena as a central aspect of learning and doing science. (Contains 1 table.)

Discusses the characteristics of the Physics Activities Center established by the Kansas State University Department of Physics with the purpose of providing students the opportunities to "do their own thing". Included is a summary of its practical applications and a description of student reactions. (CC)

Provides eight physics experiments, demonstrations, and activities relating to radioactive decay, computers, semiconductors, and electronics. (SL)

Describes the inception, use, and evaluation of a demonstration laboratory designed to enable first-year university students to observe physical phenomena that they did not observe in the secondary school. (Author/SL)

In this exercise, students examine Aristotle's weight hypothesis by testing variously shaped marble chips. These chips are weighed and dropped down a water tube. Average fall times and weights are recorded and graphed. Students are asked to apply this information to rock and soil deposition by streams. (MA)

PHYSICS TEACHING PRACTICES IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, FRANCE, THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS ARE COMPARED. REPORTS FOR EACH COUNTRY WERE PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY A NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH OF THE COUNTRIES. THE REPORTS WERE REVIEWED BY…

Discusses activities with magnets and magnetism for elementary students. (SL)

Described are five physics experiments utilizing inexpensive, readily available materials or materials normally found in a physics laboratory. Included are investigations of electrical charge, sound detection, thermal expansion, doppler effects, and the cycloid. (SL)

Analyzes the role of experiments in science teaching, and applies this analysis to the teaching of Millikan's experiment in physics. Critically examines an article written by T. J. Harvey entitled Millikan made easy'' which was previously published in The School Science Review. (JR)

Applications of wheels are shown to be an invaluable tool in teaching the processes and technology of science. (DF)

Describes a quantitative experiment of measuring the characteristics of a cylindrical Langmuir probe and the ion density in the flame plasma of a seeded propane flame. (SL)

Presents a detailed analysis of the thermodynamic equation dE = TdS - PdV to illustrate how chemistry teachers may present chemical potential by a route free from the terrors of partial derivatives. (MR)