The idea of teaching physics to ninth-graders, known as "Physics First," has become more and more popular among physics educators in this country. However, introducing ninth-grade physics has been an uphill battle; such a change has a major impact on the students, parents, teachers, and the school administration. Switching to Physics First affects…

Relates the impressions of science education gained by a physics professor visiting the People's Republic of China. Observations from two universities in Beijing and Wuhan provide information regarding departmental organization, general teacher preparation, preuniversity education, science teacher preparation, specific physics departments, applied…

Describes college physics courses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Presents honors degree courses, entry requirements, course structure, and further information from 93 colleges in the British Isles. (YP)

Describes college physics courses in Scotland. Presents honors degree courses, entry requirements, course structure, and further information from 15 colleges in Scotland. (YP)

Described is a physics course for satisfying the junior-year writing requirement. Gives nine assignment examples of the course. Discusses the use of the writing component as a teaching aid in junior level "Electricity and Magnetism" course. (YP)

This book contains the proceedings of the Third Topical Conference of Department Chairs in Physics. Topics of the papers summarized include: (1) research centers sponsored by the National Science Foundation; (2) physics programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels; (3) the use of accelerators in education and research; (4) approaches to…