Teaching physics in real-life contexts continues to be a challenge for teachers at different educational levels. In this article, three context-rich problems are proposed to be implemented in the classroom for higher education, using the explosion that occurred in Beirut as a case study. These problems require the search and analysis of real data,…

Federal legislation specifies equitable access to education for all students at all levels of education, including postsecondary. To explore how well the physics education research (PER) community is currently serving students who inherently vary in needs, abilities, and interests, four research-based curricula (Tutorials in Introductory Physics,…

The paper describes the mechanics of cherry pit projectiles and ends with showing the similarity between cherry pit launching and chameleon tongue projecting mechanisms. The whole story is written as an investigation, following steps that resemble those typically taken by scientists and can therefore serve as an illustration of scientific…

A key question in physics education is the effectiveness of the teaching methods. A curriculum that has been investigated at the University of Central Florida (UCF) over the last two years is the use of particular elements of The Physics Suite. Select sections of the introductory physics classes at UCF have made use of Interactive Lecture…

An achievement evaluation of a non-conventional physics course for liberal arts students is presented. The theoretical ground for this course focuses on the use of humour as a teaching tool. Preliminary evidence shows that a learning process is accomplished. (Contains 1 table and 3 figures.)

We developed an instrument to systematically investigate student conceptual understanding of the relationships between the directions of net force, velocity, and acceleration in one dimension and report on data collected on the final version of the instrument from over 650 students. Unlike previous work, we simultaneously studied all six possible…

Proposes the use of problems of the everyday world to motivate students to master basic physical principles. Cites the example of conversion of solar energy by a photovoltaic cell as a source of topics in electricity and solid state physics. (CP)

Presents a report of the annual conference of the Education Group of the Institute of Physics, held at the University of Oxford. The educators agreed that project work is a useful teaching technique and that there is a need for categorization of such activities. (MLH)

Discusses the following aspects of university project work: academic and social aims, recent trends, and availability of projects. Advises teachers how to determine the time allotment and assessment procedures for project work. (MLH)

Physics students were exposed to one of three lecture styles: blackboard, overhead projector, or two channel slide presentation. The latter method utilizes two slide projectors; after a slide has been discussed it is transferred to the second projector where it is displayed until the slide changes again. Student questionnaires revealed a…

Concludes that virtually all the innovations of the past ten years in undergraduate physics instruction have had a common aim of involving students more actively in the learning process. Provides an overview of the major innovations, such as audio tutorial methods, self paced systems, programed textbooks, and computer assistance. (MLH)

Reports on the 1975 annual meeting of the Education Group of the Institute of Physics which was associated with the Higher Education Learning Project (Physics) (HELP). Discussed topics are listed. (CP)

Advocates a strong emphasis on the teaching of the design of electronic circuits in undergraduate courses. An instructional paradigm involving the design and construction of a single-transistor amplifier is provided. (CP)

Applies the narrow-band model to the instruction of intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors along with the phenomenon of compensation. Advocates the model for undergraduate instruction due to its intuitive appeal and mathematical simplicity. (CP)

A self-paced reinforcement program for the instruction of introductory wave mechanics is provided. Based on the Keller plan, the aims of the program were to increase student achievement and improve attitudes and study methods of weaker students. An evaluation of the project is included. (CP)