Reflects on the implications of the changes that the Dearing review proposed for 16-19 education. Attempts to stimulate further discussion on the structure and content of the 16-19 physics curriculum for the next century. (JRH)

Analyzes the attitudes of students from age 11 to 16 (n=654) towards science careers and the effect of school science on those attitudes. Discusses the implications for teaching in the context of motivational factors and highlights the need to allow students space to match their own motivational needs. Contains 13 references. (Author/JRH)

Describes the use of portfolios in grading and assessment. Discusses advantages of portfolio assessment, Showcase Portfolios, Checklist Portfolios, Open-Format Portfolios, student self-reflection, portfolio scoring, and student perceptions of portfolios. (JRH)

Describes the Software Teaching of Modular Physics (SToMP), a software package that is structured to be a complete learning and teaching environment. Allows students to explore and learn about physics topics without necessarily having to refer to teachers or to other resources. (DDR)

Describes a simple experiment that uses a CCD video camera, a display monitor, and a laser-printed bar pattern to illustrate signal sampling problems that produce aliasing or moiri fringes in images. Uses the Fourier transform to provide an appropriate and elegant means to explain the sampling theorem and the aliasing phenomenon in CCD-based…

Describes how the technique of concept mapping can be useful for identifying gaps in preservice teachers' knowledge. Validity of the technique was tested using blind interviews with a representative sample of eight trainees. Has potential as a valuable self-diagnostic tool for teachers teaching outside their area of specialization. (DDR)

Describes experiments designed to explore the distribution of potential difference between two uncharged capacitors when they are suddenly connected to a source of constant voltage. Enables students to explore the evolution of a system in which initial voltage distribution depends on capacitor values, and the final voltage distribution depends on…

Presents ideas for motivating students to create an informative and interesting physics project while becoming actively involved in learning the associated physics concepts. Discusses the use of physics projects as an alternative to lecture and traditional tests, using creativity and original ideas, and benefits to the school and the community.…

Describes a simple ultrasonic experiment that can be used to measure the purity of liquid samples by detecting variations in the velocity of sound. Uses a phase shift detection technique that incorporates the use of logic gates and a piezoelectric transducer. (JRH)

Describes a technique that measures the deformation produced in a plastic material by a falling ball in order to compute the ball's kinetic energy. Varying the parameters produces accurate results and gives students a good understanding of the measurement of energy. Combines various mechanical concepts that students have learned separately in…

Reports on a study of the implementation of the new science curriculum in secondary schools in Northern Ireland. Findings suggest that astronomy has caught the interest of many students. Concludes that these findings justify the inclusion of astronomy in the Northern Ireland Science Curriculum. Contains 12 references. (JRH)

Examines student teachers' understanding of the concept of force using a two-part written questionnaire. Findings indicate that there is a serious discrepancy between student teachers' understanding of force and the accepted scientific view. Contains 20 references. (JRH)

Discusses the difficulty of drawing free-body diagrams which only show forces exerted on a body from its neighbors. Presents three ways a body may be modeled: a particle, rigid extended, and nonrigid extended. (MKR)

Describes the consequences of changing the sixth-form physics syllabus for ages 17-18 in Hong Kong in the last 20 years. Considers further changes necessary to attract more students to physics. Appendix includes contents of physics syllabuses in 1978 and 1996. (Author/MKR)