Presents a quiz for evaluating student understanding of wave interference utilizing two prong tuning forks. (GS)

Presents a simple experiment to compare the performance of the PASCO Introductory Dynamics System with that of an Ealing student air track. Discusses the relative advantages of both. Concludes that for a wide assortment of motion activities in a low friction environment, or studies of frictional forces, the PASCO Introductory Dynamics System is a…

A study of textbook language dealing in depth with the concept of force is described. Textbooks and other historical materials from the 1840s to the present were examined. This provided a longitudinal framework in which to consider language usage. Student language was also investigated. (43 references) (KR)

Discusses strategies to construct multiple-choice exams such that they can offer insight into the thought processes of the physics student. Discusses test evaluation basics and some writing hints. (JRH)

Describes the design, development, and validity of the Force Concept Inventory (FCI), a test designed to assess student understanding of the most basic concepts in Newtonian physics and to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. Discusses various uses of the FCI and the interpretation of the FCI score. (JRH)

Describes the factor analysis and validity of the Force Concept Inventory (FCI), a test designed to assess student understanding of the most basic concepts in Newtonian physics and to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. Discusses problems in the use of the FCI and urges caution in interpreting and using FCI scores. (JRH)

Presents two physics poems in the sonnet style, Electron Love and The Barn, that were part of a student's personal evaluation instrument. (JRH)

Presents a case in favor of having the teaching profession police its own ranks for the sake of curbing incompetencies. (GA)

Discusses reading levels of books in the sciences, and explains the use of the Readability Graph. Also reported are reading levels of selected high school physics texts. (GA)

Discusses some errors found in certain elementary physics textbooks, specifically the propagation of waves in a rope tied to another rope of different linear density. (GA)

Describes errors occurring in a textbook presentation of electrical resistance across carbon arcs and filaments. (SL)

States and discusses some confusing and misleading statements found in an introductory physics textbook for high school students on electric currents and their magnetic fields. (GA)

Discusses the meaning of readability, and describes several popular methods of assessing it. Gives the results of the application of one particular method to a selection of elementary astronomy and physics texts. (Author/GA)

Discusses errors and misleading statements found in discussing the meaning of the minus sign in treating the topics of the conservation laws of energy, momentum, and angular momentum. (CS)

Describes the criteria used to devise a test to evaluate the experiment-oriented investigative and problem-solving capabilities of students entering an introductory physics course. (Author/GA)