Describes the use of a laser pointer to measure the speed of light by incorporating the phase delay between a modulated split beam of light. (JRH)

Describes the working of the Adiabatic Gas Law Apparatus, a useful tool for measuring the pressure, temperature, and volume of a variety of gases undergoing compressions and expansions. Describes the adaptation of this apparatus to perform isothermal measurements and discusses the theory behind the adiabatic and isothermal processes. (JRH)

Outlines the use of the toy popularly known as Newton's Cradle or Newton's Balls in illustrating the laws of conservation of momentum and mechanical energy. Discusses in detail the joint effects of elasticity, friction, and ball alignment on the rate of damping of this apparatus. (JRH)

Uses the analogy of water flow to introduce concepts in basic electricity. Presents a demonstration that uses this analogy to help students grasp the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance. (JRH)

Describes a measurement lab that introduces measurement and presents a simple example of how to use error analysis with an obvious illustration of its value. The experiment measures the diameters of pinhole images of the sun and uses them to calculate the heights of the leafy canopy that created the images. (JRH)

Argues that the common rounding rule is wrong in itself and potentially dangerous to data. The rule may be phrased as follows: "When several quantities are multiplied, the number of significant figures in the final answer is the same as the number of significant figures in the least precise of the quantities being multiplied. The same rule applies…

Presents techniques aimed at promoting a higher level of student-faculty interaction and active student participation in the learning process in introductory physics lecture classes. Discusses group problem solving, the use of flash cards, and assessment. (JRH)

Presents a demonstration that uses a laptop computer as a source of polarized light to make clear the principle behind a liquid-crystal display (LCD). (JRH)

Discusses strategies to construct multiple-choice exams such that they can offer insight into the thought processes of the physics student. Discusses test evaluation basics and some writing hints. (JRH)

Presents an exercise that gives students a real feeling for experimental errors and demonstrates the importance of frequent repetition and averaging. (JRH)

Presents three methods for obtaining experimental data related to acceleration of a simple pendulum. Two of the methods involve angular position measurements and the subsequent calculation of the acceleration while the third method involves a direct measurement of the acceleration. Compares these results with theoretical calculations and…

Discusses the Kettering ignition system used on all vehicles for about a half century and transistorized automotive ignition systems. (JRH)

Presents a sample HyperQuiz, a strictly-for-fun, genius trapping contest for occasions when the syllabus and coverage do not bear down too severely. Promotes collaboration between students, library research, and development of scientific thinking skills. (JRH)

Presents demonstrations that use a blowgun to illustrate scientific concepts relating to acceleration, projectile motion, Newton's Laws, and work and kinetic energy. (JRH)

Presents strategies aimed at increasing physics enrollment by creating and advertising a physics program that appeals to the majority of students but sacrifices neither rigor nor content. Involves extensively publicizing the class at school and moving the course out of the classroom and into the home. (JRH)