Presented are justifications for including optics in the science curriculum, an outline of optics instruction as presently presented in English secondary schools, and a review of probable future trends in optics instruction. (SL)

Discussed is the need for examining the reasons for teaching optics to help to determine how optics should be taught. (SL)

Using the simple optical system and photodiode described in this article it is possible to give clear, quantitative demonstrations of all the Fraunhofer diffraction phenomena at single and multiple apertures. These measurements can be related to the theoretical predictions given in standard textbooks. Circuit diagram and optical layout are…

The syndicate study is a group approach to solving problems. Students are involved in fieldwork, research, discussion, and reporting on a particular problem dealing with the interaction of scientific technology and society. Some syndicate topics include physical control of the environment, low impact technology, and social implications of nuclear…

An elementary analysis of a common textbook airplane problem is given, and then, as an illustrative example, the possibilities of this mechanism for animal navigation are briefly considered. (Author/MA)

Presented is the design of an electrical analogue of the simple pendulum--a one-dimensional oscillator resonating within a frequency range which can be generated and observed with readily available instruments. One possible study sequence is outlined. (Author/MA)

Described is a novel approach to the teaching of projectile motion of sixth form level. Students are asked to use an analogue circuit to observe projectile motion and to graph the experimental results. Using knowledge of basic dynamics, students are asked to explain the shape of the curves theoretically. (Author/MA)

Discussed are how the thermal vibrations of a solid are described in terms of lattice waves, how these waves interact with other waves, or with themselves, and how one is led from such a description in terms of waves to the concept of a phonon. (Author/MA)

Traditional undergraduate courses in gas kinetic theory encourage the view that in all collisions between a gas atom and a surface, the angle of incidence of the gas atom equals its angle of reflection. This article illustrates and explains the incorrectness in assuming specular reflection and zero dwell time. (Author/MA)

Formulae are proposed for the distinct cases of monatomic and diatomic gas volumes. Eight figures illustrate the article. (Author/MA)

Illustrated and described is the design of an apparatus that can be used by students in a short period of time. It gives quantitative results showing evidence of thermoelastic properties of fluids near the critical point. (Author/MA)

This article is based on the results of an investigation of the conceptual difficulties experienced by Scottish secondary students studying the topic of chemical equilibrium. Rather than dropping thermodynamics from the curriculum, it is suggested that a new teaching approach is indicated. (Author/MA)

Presented is an exercise in the ability to navigate by the stars. It applies difficult concepts of positional astronomy concerning coordinate systems and time. Stereographic projection is utilized because it allows rapid completion of calculations and measurements and keeps the concepts clear to the students. (MA)

Considered are parallel and perpendicular relative velocities and their effect on the minimum time it takes a boat to cross a river. (Author/MA)

Examined is a method of teaching based on the idea of the projective application of mathematics to simplified innovative proposals and hypotheses. (Author/MA)