Describes equipment used for a magnetic force experiment that is capable of producing precise results but rugged enough to withstand handling by several hundred undergraduate students per year. (WRM)

Describes a physics demonstration that dramatically illustrates the mutual repulsion (attraction) between parallel conductors using insulated copper wire, wooden dowels, a high direct current power supply, electrical tape, and an overhead projector. (WRM)

Describes the use of classroom-quality barometers and the construction of a simple and convenient model. (WRM)

Describes the history of the Physics Olympics, a set of a dozen physics-related competitions for high school students roughly modeled after a track meet. (WRM)

Argues for the potential of hands on activities with simple materials to help develop understanding of physical phenomena among students of all age groups. (WRM)

Uses aquarium and computer mirages to explain natural mirages caused by severe temperature inversions and appropriate topography. (WRM)

Calculates the angular velocity of a spinning top without the simplifying assumption found in most textbooks that the total angular momentum is solely along the symmetry axis. (WRM)

Describes a set-up for sending the infrared signal from a common remote control device to an oscilloscope in order to "see" the infrared signal. (WRM)

Describes the construction and use of a set of "relativistic metersticks" that represent the apparent lengths of a meterstick passing a stationary observer at relative speed v/c. (WRM)

Describes the construction and use of a magnetic needle that is stronger than those conventionally used for experiments with electromagnetism. (WRM)

Advocates using the first day of physics class to discuss some unique aspects of the discipline and the course. Lists examples of appropriate discussion topics. (WRM)

This book represents a "cookbook" for teachers of physics, a book of recipes for the preparation of demonstration experiments to illustrate the principles that make the subject of physics so fascinating. Illustrations and explanations of each demonstration are done in an easy-to-understand format. Each can be adapted to be used as a demonstration…

This report summarizes the activities and findings of Horizon Research, Inc. (HRI) in its external evaluation of Rural Physics Teacher Resource Agents (PTRA) project. The report details HRI's work and findings since June 2002. The project is on schedule for going to scale with the rural centers model, establishing four centers in Year One and…

Strategic Programs for Innovations in Undergraduate Physics (SPIN-UP) set out to answer an intriguing question: Why, in the 1990s, did some physics departments increase the number of bachelor's degrees awarded in physics or maintain a number much higher than the national average for their type of institution? During that decade, the number of…

Explains the scientific concepts, technical designs, and materials that make up incandescent light sources. (WRM)