Standing transverse waves in homogeneous strings have been demonstrated in lectures and used in experiments (called Melde's experiment). A variation to this experiment is discussed. Also discusses the use of the speed-of-sound resonance-tube apparatus to clean mercury. (Author/JN)

Describes construction of a model for observing a "green flash" (phenomenon witnessed under certain conditions just as the last bit of sun disappears below the horizon). Also describes an easily constructed, simple, three-dimensional vector arrow for instructional use. (JN)

Discusses origins and nature of science anxiety and describes the Science Anxiety Clinic, outlining techniques used at the clinic. Techniques include science skills training and psychological interventions. Comments on the connection between science anxiety and cognitive processes in science learning. (Author/JN)

Discusses development of the American Association of Physics Teachers and National Science Teachers Association (AAPT/NSTA) high school physics examination. Includes sample examination questions and distribution of topics: mechanics (30 percent), waves/optics/sound (20 percent), heat/kinetic theory (10 percent), electricity/magnetism (25 percent),…

Reviews software produced by Cross Educational Software to teach college-advanced high school students how to determine forces/torques acting on rigid bodies in static equilibrium. Designed for use with Apple II/II+ (Applesoft), 10 minutes to one hour are required for the five low to moderate interactive tutorial programs. (Author/JN)

Discusses why interference effects cannot be seen with a thick film, starting with a review of the origin of interference patterns in thin films. Considers properties of materials in films, properties of the light source, and the nature of light. (JN)

Describes advantages of using longer focal-length concave and convex cylindrical mirrors constructed from sheets of flexible, back-surfaced, mirrored acrylic plastic. Suggestions for several student experiments, along with typical experimental results, are also presented. (Author/JN)

The acoustics of speech production allows the prediction of resonances for a given vocal tract configuration. Combining these predictions with aerodynamic theory developed for mechanical whistles makes theories about human whistling more complete. Several experiments involving human whistling are reported which support the theory and indicate new…

Contends that the nature of physics has been misrepresented by blurring or ignoring important distinctions between "errors" and "discrepancies" and that dealing with these and related problems can improve students' enjoyment of labs and understanding of physics. Nature of physics, role of experiments, experimental errors, and error analysis are…

Describes how the Ontario Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers started a "Grade Eleven Prize Physics Contest" to generate interest in physics and recognize outstanding students. Also describes outcomes of contests, adaptation of the contest by Southeastern Pennsylvania Section, and suggestions for others wanting to begin similar…

Describes demonstrations in which individuals participate in activities to illustrate physics concepts. No equipment other than the individuals participating is required. Demonstrations are provided for the topics of gas laws, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, optics, acoustics, kinematics, and dynamics. (JN)

Describes use of the Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC) physics timer for verification of equations of motion and in measuring moment of inertia when a body is in actual motion. Diagrams illustrating experimental arrangement of apparatus for the experiments are provided. (JN)

Use of spring-wound toy cars in kinematics experiments is described. The cars, used in place of traditional dynamics carts rolling down an inclined plane, are inexpensive, motivational, and give reproducible results. Details of acceleration experiments and suggestions for additional experiments are provided. (JN)

Discusses several properties of liquid crystal displays. Includes instructions for demonstrating liquid crystalline phase, ordering of the long axes of molecules along one direction, and electro-optic effects. The latter is accomplished with the use of an overhead projector following preparation of a sandwich cell. (JN)

During 1981-82 a physics contest was held in North Carolina in which a new physics question was asked each month. Information is provided for others contemplating a similar task. Areas addressed include costs, prizes (calculators), number of entries, contest rules, contest goals, and such problems as time involvement. (JN)