Defines the vibrations of a tuning fork against a computer monitor screen as a pattern that can illustrate or explain physical concepts like wave vibrations, wave forms, and phase differences. Presents background information and demonstrates the experiment. (Author/YDS)

Students make connections in their social lives and expect teachers to do the same at school. Advocates connecting physics and biology in teaching as they are connecting more in research. Discusses some physics-based techniques used in biology and medicine. (YDS)

Discusses instructional approaches on how to teach introductory thermal physics. Analyzes the relationship between heat and temperature and questions to what degree physics can be simplified. (Contains 22 references.) (YDS)

Describes the development of Simple Projectiles Lesson And Test (SPLAT), an interactive multimedia presentation that targets students aged 16 and older and focuses on teaching the fundamental concepts of physics with a simple and exciting approach, and filling in the gaps of school physics curriculum. (YDS)

Examines which current A-level syllabuses include which bits of particle physics and surveys the many different types of resource available to teachers and students. (Author)

Teaches data interpretation using the example of world running records for men and women. Explains different ways of plotting data. (YDS)

Summarizes the development of quantum theory, highlighting the contributions of Planck, Einstein, Schrodinger, and Heisenberg. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/ASK)

In physics, neither courses for majors nor for non-majors provide the kind of preparation required for teaching physics or physical science by inquiry. Indicates that science methods courses cannot help teachers develop the depth of understanding needed for this type of teaching. Offers a practical alternative for special physics courses for…

Indicates that boys and girls differ in physics instruction. Suggests that boys achieve higher grades and are more interested in learning physics than girls. Claims that boys and girls hold different notions of what it means to understand physics: girls seem to think that they understand a concept only if they can put it into a broader world view.…

Refers to the somewhat surprising fact that questions connected with the mechanics of such popular physical models as the simple and conical pendulum seem to be difficult not only for secondary school students but for those taking introductory university courses in physics. Briefly analyzes two tests concerning both simple pendulum and conical…

Suggests two improved methods to measure the speed of sound in a metal rod. One employs a fast timer to measure the time required for a compression pulse to travel along the rod from end to end, and a second uses a microphone to measure the frequency of the fundamental mode of a freely suspending singing rod. (Author/ASK)

The disappointingly small number of girls studying science was highlighted in this journal 20 years ago. Looks at progress in bringing girls into science education and women into science-based employment. (Author/ASK)

Reports some outcomes from an interview study with women Ph.D. physicists working in a variety of science-related careers. Explores and documents the career experience of women scientists. Identifies barriers and constraints to women's participation in science careers and investigates ways in which educational experiences contribute to career…

Describes the Physics Phones Home unit which is context-led and developed by the Supported Learning in Physics Projects. Teaches introductory magnetism; electric, magnetic and gravitational fields; and electricity and circular motion. (YDS)

Argues that although findings of the educational research are very valuable in physics education it is not the most important element to improve education. Discusses comparisons of students' academic achievement from an international perspective, students' understanding of scientific concepts, and research and practice in physics education.…