Discusses two major misconceptions about reading shared by many teachers, students, and parents: reading instruction should take place in the elementary schools, and only those students having problems need help in reading. It offers suggestions for integrating the teaching of reading skills with the teaching of physics content. (SK)

Describes an exercise involving the use of kinematics to decide if one should stop or try and get through an intersection when the traffic light turns yellow. Gives students' experience in recording data, doing simple calculations and connecting classroom studies to real world experiences. (Author/SK)

Discusses kinematics of the planetary alignment in nature and related results. Describes a model of planetary alignments to beginning astronomy students. The model is to explain Jupiter's deviation from a circular orbit. (SK)

Describes a method for students to evaluate and experience a repetition of important physics concepts during regular lecture sessions. The major goal was to train students to focus attention on course materials. (SK)

Describes experiments, including the measurement of the magnetic moment of a magnet, using noncalibrated materials. Results of these experiments can be checked using calibrated equipment. (SK)

Describes a set of equipment which can be mounted on magnetic chalkboards or other ferromagnetic surfaces, useful for both experiments and demonstrations in mechanics, including center of mass experiments, and force vector experiments using string, spring scales, weights, and pulleys. (SK)

Summarizes observations of differences in cognitive processes in college physics students. Provides examples of trains of thought and misconceptions exhibited by students and suggests procedures to help resolve the difficulties. (CS)

Describes an apparatus that uses a microcomputer as a timing device in which the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) is measured. Diagrams of a circuit for timing measurements and a flow chart of a program that measures COR are provided. A list of COR for some common objects is also included. (CS)

Presents response to a survey in the March and May 1982 issues of the American Association of Physics Teachers "Announcer" on microcomputer use by physics instructors. Provides background information on microcomputers useful in determining choice of system components, including applications development. Appendices give information on machine and…

Discusses the application of cognitive processes of physics teaching including idea first and name afterward; translating symbols into words; describing phenomena in words; reversing a line of thought; making decisions; inapplicability of formulas; recognizing the importance of non-examples; comparison and serial ordering; and estimating and…

Proposes novel methods of solving mechanics and dynamics problems by changing frames of reference. Uses these ideas to pursue Einstein's notions of inertial and uniformly rotating reference frames, gravitational and inertial mass, and the gravitational bending of light in relation to the simple original problem. (JM)

Describes how to use data from television broadcasts of shuttle launches along with data from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) "Educational Briefs for the Classroom" to establish relevant connections of high school physics with the real world. Includes graphs of range/altitude, speed/time, and three tables with launch data and…

Describes a simple form of metal detector, discussing the principles of signal generation, and the detection and discrimination of induced eddy current signals from the located objects. Includes a rough schematic of the detector. (JM)

Answers a question about operating frequency of metal locators, discussing signal attenuation due to inverse square law and interaction with conducting media. Compares frequency to conductivity for various media and resultant penetration of media by signal, relating to transmission of extremely low frequency signals for submarine communications by…

Describes a demonstration of light pipes using low-cost materials, relating it to fiber optics communication. Also provides several experiments in hydrostatics and hydrodynamics using the materials for light pipe. (JM)