Reviews software package for college advanced high school physics. The package, for Apple microcomputers, contains programs instructing students on how to analyze motion of objects under a variety of circumstances. Programs include graphing motion, one-dimensional kinematics, gravity problems, projectile, dynamics (general method), motion on…

Because voltage is a difficult concept to comprehend, it is expected that textbook authors would be clear/consistent in their presentation. Presents 11 examples in which the concept is explained or used (taken from one book), suggesting that the presentation makes it difficult for students to develop an understanding of voltage. (JN)

Discusses rationale for developing the Exploratorium at San Francisco's Museum of Science, Art, and Perception. Describes typical exhibits, hands-on nature of exhibits, and function of Explainers. Presents information about Exploratorium workshops (currently oriented toward upper elementary/junior high teachers), emphasizing the nature of science…

Provides additional information on a demonstration described in the March 1981 issue of "The Physics Teacher" involving free-falling objects using styrofoam cups, rubber bands, and weights. Approaches the subject using free-body diagrams (included) and discusses the mechanism by which the weights are pulled into the cup. (JM)

Describes equipment and procedures for an experiment using diodes to introduce non-linear electronic devices in a freshman physics laboratory. The experiment involves calculation and plotting of the characteristic-curve and load-line to predict the operating point and compare prediction to experimentally determined values. Background information…

Discusses the definition of energy found in many high school and college level physics texts, the conflict of that definition with the second law of thermodynamics, and the relation to the concept of the conservation of energy. Suggests not using a definition of energy and provides some alternative strategies. (JM)

Recommends black chalkboards, wet-washed before every lecture and advocates the use of Railroad Crayon chalk because its softness and larger size result in a wide high-intensity line. The resulting contrast improves the visibility of material written on chalkboards. (Source for the chalk is provided.) (JM)

Describes student projects on applications of solar energy optics to home design. Project criterion (requiring sketches and detailed calculations of time rate of energy flow/production) is that half the heat for the heating season be taken from the solar resource; calculations must be based on meteorological data for a specific location. (JM)

Describes alterations and adaptations to an existing laboratory table to accommodate wheelchair confined students, considering problems of vertical reach, vision requirements, utility hookups, and safety measures. Specific comments on forty experiments performed and over seventy slides for inservice workshops, seminars or consulting activities are…

Provides a detailed, non-mathematical analysis of total internal reflection based on the interaction of light and matter and the principle of superposition. Discusses factors affecting the critical angle and the percent of the incident beam that is refracted and reflected. (JM)

Describes computer program (available on diskette for Apple IIe/II-plus, Commodore PET/CBM, or Commodore 64) providing drill/practice on concepts of electric charge, electric current, and electric potential difference. A second diskette provides a test of fifteen multiple-choice questions, with option to print score and areas of weakness. (JM)

Presents examples of physics activities using common objects such as a tuning fork, umbrella (for double diffraction patterns), and a toy car. Provides questions designed to stimulate student curiosity/interest and which provide models for developing additional units on everyday objects and toys. (JM)

Describes a simple apparatus and provides instructions to do relative index of refraction measurements/calculations and to show mathematical relationships betwen indices when light travels from one liquid to another. A listing of a computer program (in BASIC) which will analyze data is available from the author. (JM)

Parts 1 and 2 (SE 524 424 and 527 089) described Flesch readability for determining a text's reading level and results of applying the test to astronomy/physics textbooks. This part presents results for a new sample of texts, including calculus-level texts. A comparison with high school physics texts is provided. (JM)

Describes use of Tinker Toys in several moment of inertia laboratory experiments at the advanced high school or introductory college levels. Includes procedures to be followed, arrangements of the Tinker Toy parts during experiments, and typical student data obtained. (JM)