Explains the physics behind some of the apparently puzzling aspects of the motion of a person riding a snake-board (a skateboard with independently pivoted axles). (Author/WRM)

The introduction of citizenship as a National Curriculum subject in English schools offers new opportunities for the effective teaching of science. Presents some challenges for busy physics teachers and the resources available to support them. (Author/MM)

Describes teachers' experiences in teaching a course for which a visit to help students use their physics in a real, working context with accompanying report is a compulsory component. Reports that teachers are enthusiastic about the value of visits as part of their teaching program and makes some suggestions for maximizing their effectiveness.…

Describes a program designed to make physics more accessible to students. Entails extracting articles from newspapers (compiled to form a journal named "Exaktueel") and using them as a source of ideas for classroom activities. (ZWH)

The background and history of light and fiber optics are discussed. Applications for light passed either directly or indirectly through optical fibers are described. Suggestions for science activities that use fiber optics are provided. (KR)

Discusses the decrease in number of students taking physics at the senior secondary level and presents an outline of the colloquium which met in September, 1998, in Ireland through the cooperation between the Irish Department of Education and Science and other European union education ministries. (Contains 21 references.) (YDS)

Describes how the authors used portions of popular movies to help students review concepts related to electromagnetism. Movies used and concepts covered in the review are listed, and a sample activity is described. (WRM)

Suggests activities that could be incorporated into a study and actual viewing of a total solar eclipse, including student involvement in real research projects. Lists related websites. (Author/WRM)

Describes the organization and completion of a scientific field trip for a group of high school physics students that was organized primarily around a study of the Manhattan Project. The group visited the Trinity site, Los Alamos, several museums, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory Very Large Array. Contact information for the various…

Describes a teaching-exchange visit between the United Kingdom and the United States that reveals the dangers of making too many cultural assumptions. Differences can be traced to long-term cultural divergence and different technologies. (DDR)

Offers a critical examination of some of the basic claims of studies that employ ideas from social constructivism and the sociology of scientific knowledge. Argues that social constructivism cannot explain some of the most characteristic features of the physical sciences. Contains 26 references. (DDR)

Explains the scientific concepts, technical designs, and materials that make up incandescent light sources. (WRM)

This paper considers what physics can offer students, both as physics majors and in other sciences. The recent increases in the technological character of the workplace appear likely to continue, leading to increasing numbers of individuals who should learn something about science. For many of these people, understanding the character of science,…

Investigates the role and importance of peers in providing personal and academic support for Year 11 female students enrolled in physics and biology courses. Results indicate that while the supportive role provided by peers is similar regardless of the science subject undertaken by female students, this role may vary between schools. (AIM)

Provides an overview of the approach, objectives, and unit offerings of the Science and Technology in Society (SATIS) project. Lists physics-related SATIS publications and describes selected programs. Suggests how SATIS units can be used as a supplement to existing materials. (ML)