Explains the basic principles of ultrasound using everyday physics. Topics include the generation of ultrasound, basic interactions with material, and the measurement of blood flow using the Doppler effect. (Author/MM)

Presents a brief history of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an overview of the underlying physics followed by a short survey of current and emerging clinical applications. (Author/MM)

Discuses the counterintuitive fact that ice is a good insulator and creates a 'teachable moment' for describing the use of discrepant events as a strategy for science instruction and exploring a possible solution to the question, "How warm can the interior of an igloo get?" (Author/ASK)

Describes the designing and testing of a model of in-service physics teacher training based on the idea that it is important to help teachers reconsider their disciplinary knowledge and work with other teachers on the same subject to make it suitable for teaching. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/ASK)

Presents a simple experiment that allows students to determine a slope from a series of measurements rather than from a given equation in which students measure heights and widths for a set of paper rectangles, all with the same width. Students calculate areas and plot area versus height from the data. (Author/ASK)

Uses a computer interface to measure terminal voltage versus current characteristic of a variety of batteries, their series and parallel combinations, and the variation with discharge. The concept of an internal resistance demonstrates that current flows through the battery determine the efficiency and serve to introduce Thevenin's theorem.…

Describes an approach to incorporate active learning strategies into the first semester of a university-level introductory physics course. Combines cooperative and peer-based methods inside the classroom with project-based learning outside the classroom in an attempt to develop students' transferable skills as well as improving their understanding…

Advocates the need for pupils to practice significant aspects of scientific work such as the making of epistemic (related to the nature and construction of knowledge) and methodological decisions. This requires that they work on problems and activities presented in a more open way than usual. Describes a case study. (Contains 11 references.)…

Physics problems presented by teachers or in textbooks are usually quantitative and offer only one solution. Suggests that getting students to solve qualitative problems and confronting them with multiple solutions can help them develop conceptual understanding and robust problem-solving strategies. (Author/ASK)

Describes a form of dimensional analysis based on a pack of cards for use with students aged 11-16. Presents new approaches to understanding the manipulation of simple equations, and also aids familiarization with the units involved and the relationships between them. Provides differentiation by altering the layout of the cards and varying the…

Introduces the Telescopes in Education (TIE) project, which began in 1993, in which schools have had access via telephone lines to a high quality telescope on Mount Wilson in California. Considers what can be gained from such projects to maximize their potential. (Author/ASK)

Many pupils will be familiar with the ideas in "2001: A Space Odyssey" but few will have considered the physics involved. Simple calculations show that some of the effects depicted in the Space Station and on the Discovery are plausible but others would be impractical. (Author/ASK)

Introduces the development of the interdisciplinary course The Atomic Era which features a unique combination of physics, sociology, and German studies taught jointly by a physicist, a sociologist and a germanist. Addresses and analyzes the objectives of the course, laboratories and demonstrations, instructional goals, assignments, organization,…

Presents some ideas for bridging between primary and secondary science phases including suggested activities and a look at some of the issues involved. (Author/ASK)

Analogy is one of the most potent tools in a teacher's repertoire and has been recognized as a common feature of quality science teaching. Emphasizes the limitations of the analogies used to explain scientific ideas. Highlights another potential difficulty: when the analogy is not as familiar to learners as the teacher may assume. (Contains 17…