Discusses various physics concepts/principles that can be illustrated by amusement park rides. Examples of rotational dynamics, energy conservation, acceleration, and others can be demonstrated by such rides as roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and a variety of rotating rides. (JN)

Discusses the construction of lenses made out of ice, including the arrangement for mounting an ice lens on a camera. Also discusses brewing coffee in an ibrik (long-handled container tapering slightly toward the top), focusing on the physics of the brewing. (JN)

Discusses various aspects of fly casting to illuminate the physics of fishing. They include examining whether the bending of the rod propels the fly as a bow propels an arrow and determining how an angler resists the pull of a hooked fish while reeling it in. (JN)

Three physics experiments are described, minimizing difficulties for amateur experimenters. One experiment demonstrates the Doppler shift of light, converting the phenomenon into sound. The second measures Planck's constant. The third measures the universal gravitational constant, which does the same in Newton's theory of gravitation. (Author/JN)

Discusses the physics behind making ice cream in a hand-cranked ice cream maker. Ingredients in the maker are cooled and hardened by a bath of ice, water, and rock salt. Several experiments to investigate the variables involved in preparing the ice cream (and related desserts) are included. (JN)

Explains and illustrates strange events which occur when two pendulums interact through a variety of interconnections. Phenomena addressed include: pendulums coupled by a spring, rod, or string; vertical and rotational oscillations, and synchronous and mirror-image swinging. A resonant-spring pendulum and a Wilberforce pendulum are also discussed.…

Presents a lesson in the mechanics of rotation which deals with setting the playground swing into motion. Discusses the scientific principles involved in these procedures. Illustrations of several explanations are included. (RT)

Discusses how the sun's reflection from water offers a means for calculating sloped of waves. Experiments using angles of reflection from a tilted mirror are suggested and explained. A method of counterbalancing dominoes in a stack beyond the edge of a table (using Euler's constant) is also described. (DH)

Explains the variables involved when stopping a car on various types of pavement, braking schemes and additional concerns. (RT)

Presents a field formula for calculating speed and flight efficiency of soaring birds. By estimating the size of the bank angle and timing the complete circle, the observer can determine the speed and circling radius on a chart provided. Lift coefficients and flight characteristics of several birds are also discussed. (DH)

Examines hydraulic jumps and suggests several simple experiments which can be carried out with limited equipment. (DS)

Describes an investigation of forces and motions in ten pin bowling. Explores the significance of the spin on the ball, its curved path and other factors which may increase the chance of a strike occurring. Discusses the ball's path and the action of the pins. (CW)

A retroreflector is a mirror that removes distortion from a light beam. Describes experiments using the retroreflector as well as related phenomena. (JN)

Discusses forces that shape the behavior of water as a drop meanders down a windowpane. A homemade apparatus for studying meanders is described along with several experiments. Contact angles, molecule attraction, surface area, air tension, and gravity drag forces are some of the topics addressed. (DH)

Describes experiments in which a ball bearing is used as a tool for the study of light and as a kind of photographic lens. Also shows how results from these experiments contribute to an understanding of the nature of light. (JN)