When the road is wet (there is a water layer on the road surface), the road marks become blurred and drivers are distracted. We discuss the contributing processes and identify which processes are dominant to the occurrence of this phenomenon. Modelling and a simple experiment demonstrate that the dominant processes are: (a) refraction of light by…

In this paper we describe the results of some experiments about using surprising physics demonstrations, presented as magical phenomena followed by scientific explanations, for introducing physics topics in several teaching contexts. All the demonstrations have been designed to be implemented with easy to get and cheap materials, so that students…

The performance of any engineering component depends on and is limited by the properties of the material from which it is fabricated. It is crucial for engineering students to understand these material properties, interpret them and select the right material for the right application. In this paper we present a new method to engage students with…

Previous research indicates that academic emotions are largely organized along domain-specific lines. In the present study (N = 1,687; Grades 8/11), the authors explored the domain specificity of academic emotions in terms of the moderating influence of having the same versus a different course instructor across domains. The authors evaluated…

Hands-on, inquiry-based, and relevant to every student's life, "Gourmet Lab" serves up a full menu of activities for science teachers of grades 6-12. This collection of 15 hands-on experiments--each of which includes a full set of both student and teacher pages--challenges students to take on the role of scientist and chef, as they boil,…

These proceedings contain the papers of the 18th International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in the Digital Age (CELDA 2021), held virtually, due to an exceptional situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, from October 13-15, 2021, and organized by the International Association for Development of the Information Society…

Reports on apparatus for generating Lissajous figures, projecting Poisson's spots, photographing diffraction patterns, electric heating, and projecting moving longitudinal waves on an oscilloscope. (SL)

Describes experiments conducted with semiconductors, photo-cells, and an oscilloscope. (SL)

Forensic science courses encompasses the disciplines of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, which provides an opportunity for students to become engaged in all content areas within one course. The inquiry-based learning environment allows visualization of results almost immediately, facilitating student interest. The laboratory…

Described is a physics experiment which investigates the reactions occurring when a hot dog is fried or broiled. (SL)

Describes an experiment for determining the acceleration of a projectile. (SL)

Describes experiments and apparatus used to study the interaction of falling water drops on water surfaces and the collision between pairs of drops. (SL)

Described is a physics experiment in which small bits of metal on a water surface will move towards, and away from an electrostatically charged rod. The explanation for the motion of the metal bits deals with their shape and the electrical force on the water surface. (SL)

Describes a student investigation of a reverse flame in a atmosphere of methane that won second place in the physics division of the International Science and Engineering Fair. Includes a discussion of falling and fracturing behavior, specifically dealing with chimneys, trees, pencil point, stirring rods, and chalk. (BT)

Nine experiments and 17 activities are presented in this handbook. The experiments are related to the earth's size and orbit, Piton height, telescope operations, Mars and Mercury orbits, stepwise approximation, and models of comet orbits. Further naked-eye observations in astronomy are designed in connection with the sun, moon, and planet…