Reports on the possibility of restructuring physics and chemistry departments and merging others at British universities. Suggests modifications of the course content for greater acceptance by students. Concludes that the logic of the committee's recommendations rests in the subsequent ability of certain departments to grow. (RT)

Examines various issues related to the establishment of a core of physics studies at 16+ and 18+. Indicates that a core physics syllabus should be concerned with phenomena, theory, models, and applications and not with such topics as the use of a U tube manometer. (JN)

Examines the extent to which technology and applied physics should be included in introductory physics courses. Areas explored include the meaning of applied physics, the nature of pure and applied physics, and applied physics as viewed by a scientist, an educator, and society. Implications for the physics curriculum are addressed. (JN)

The teaching of physics through the medium of integrating technology is considered. This article reports on the teaching strategy employed and the choice of suitable examples of technology. Possible extensions of the strategy to other science fields are also discussed. (Author/CW)

Described are the course, teaching/study, entry qualifications, and destination of graduates of four courses in medical physics from Exeter University, King's College London, University College London, and University College of Swansea. (YP)

Described is a curriculum project developed in Germany. The importance of playing and gaming for the acquisition of cognitive and social capacities, the relationships among acting, reasoning, and learning in physics instruction, and the spheres of subjective experience are discussed. The framework and evaluation of the curriculum are outlined. (YP)

THA-MASTER is a model program for the training of teachers from other disciplines and/or grade levels as secondary school teachers of mathematics and physics. The program for each discipline includes brief refresher courses which include content courses, workshops, and laboratories. Methods are presented as an integral part of each course.…

Described are chemistry and physics courses at several colleges as applications of the New Liberal Arts program for nonscience majors. The major themes of the program and several examples of this approach are discussed. (CW)

Described is a physics course for satisfying the junior-year writing requirement. Gives nine assignment examples of the course. Discusses the use of the writing component as a teaching aid in junior level "Electricity and Magnetism" course. (YP)

Explained is a representation of the three categories of spectra. Discusses what a lesson on spectra should include, background information, and equipment needed. Provided is a diagram of an absorption box. (RT)

Data from national and local studies have shown declines: (1) in the quality and quantity of mathematics and science instruction over the past 20 years; (2) in student enrollment in these subjects; (3) in student scores on standardized mathematics and science tests; and (4) in course offerings and enrollment in such foreign languages as German.…

A Pennsylvania State University planner who sat in on an introductory physics course as part of a Total Quality Management/Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) effort reflects on the experience and discusses insights gained about the link between CQI and the quality of undergraduate instruction. (MSE)

Described is a two-year course for non-college-bound high school students called Principles of Technology. The goals, design, and units of the course are discussed. Criticism of the course is reviewed. (CW)

Reviews international studies that show that girls have a poorer command of physical concepts than boys. Examines factors that might explain this phenomenon and discusses whether or not boys have different learning styles than girls. Recommends that science course content must be structured to fit girls' skills and interests. (CFR)

Discusses the restructuring of the graduate program to accommodate emerging fields in engineering. Notes half of the graduate degrees Cornell grants each year are M.Eng. degrees. Offers 12 specialties: aerospace, agriculture, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical and nuclear engineering; computer science, engineering physics; geological…