The development, role, and current research in particle physics at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory are reviewed, including discussions of its mission to understand the structure of matter, a brief history of particle physics, and the nature and applications of superconductivity, among other topics. (JN)

Presents excerpts of an interview with Philip Morrison, Institute Professor of Physics at M.I.T., who has made significant contributions to areas ranging from high-energy astrophysics to elementary school science education. (Author/SK)

Describes ray tracing techniques and the method of virtual mirrors to locate images when using multiple mirrors. (JN)

Describes some scientific concepts illustrated by and sources of Sterling engines. Includes an elementary version of their theory. (JN)

A general strategy and specific examples for demonstrations in large physics classes are given. Such "action" demonstrations may involve students moving around the class to demonstrate molecular behavior in different states of matter, and effect of heat in changing state. (JN)

Describes a versatile mount for Slinky wave demonstrator and dynamics experiments using pool balls which have been altered by various means such as hollowing out or filled with lead. Suggests tightening screw holding motor clamp to prevent random speed fluctuations in ripple tanks. (JN)

Examples of the application of compound pendulum theory to the practical measurement of the moments of inertia of human beings, farm tractors, and sailing boats are presented. Suggests developing laboratory experiments to measure moments of inertia of hockey sticks, golf clubs, and frisbees, among others. (Author/SK)

Presents the fourth in a series of articles on high fidelity sound reproduction. Discusses high fidelity sound systems, including the acoustics of the listening room. (Author/SK)

Presents suggestions intended to help physicists who have not had the benefit of teacher training workshops and programs, including, among others, those on lecturing, conducting laboratories and discussion sessions, preparing tests, and dealing with difficult subject matter. (SK)

Suggests a scientific approach for teaching problem solving that would aim at understanding the underlying cognitive mechanisms responsible for good problem solving and would then use the resulting insights to design explicit instructions for enhancing student's problem solving skills. (Author/SK)

Describes a single-concept program on alternating current series circuits that does not use the question and answer format usually associated with computer assisted instruction. The method serves a dual purpose, when used by the student as a final self-check of his/her understanding and by the teacher as a classroom demonstration. (Author/SK)

Describes an apparatus for plotting electric fields using burglar alarm window tape for electrodes and carbonized electronic stencil paper as sheet resistance. Also describes a simple pentode modulator circuit which will modulate a typical helium-neon gas laser, providing an audio channel for demonstration purposes. (SK)

Summarizes the twelfth AAPT Apparatus Competition held in New York in January 1981. Lists and briefly describes apparatus of individual award winners. (SK)

Regrouping cars from incoming trains into blocks of cars for outgoing trains is accomplished in railroad "hump" classification yards. Discusses: hardware and software elements of such installations; physical models on which software is based; success in predicting/regulating car speeds; and results of recent research into factors affecting car…

Following a short review of the history of cosmic-ray astrophysics and a discussion of the accumulated data, pointing to the need for isotope measurement, the theory of heavy-element nucleosynthesis is reviewed to provide a basis for the interpretation of the cosmic-ray data. (Author/JN)