The dynamics of some common sports, such as race walking, running, cycling, jumping, and throwing, are presented. Rough estimates of the relevant physical quantities required for these individual sports are discussed. General mathematical formulas are derived which can be used for judging the performance of any athlete. (Author/KR)

The Golden Section, also known as the "Golden Mean" and the "Divine Proportion," is a ratio found in art and nature that has mathematical properties. This book explores these geometric and algebraic properties in a variety of activities. Construction problems, designs using the pentagon and pentagram, and opportunities to work…

Establishes a rationale for teaching population genetics to students and inservice biology teachers. Suggests strategies for introducing students to the Hardy-Weinberg principle. (MDH)

Describes a homemade experimental chamber constructed to accurately measure the refractive index of a transparent liquid. (MDH)

This document presents activities and information related to Fibonacci numbers, which are based upon the Golden Ratio, in areas of the arts, sciences, and mathematics. The work is organized into eight chapters: (1) "Origins and Definitions"; (2) "Fibonacci Numbers in Nature"; (3) "Fibonacci Numbers in Art and…

When examining complex waveforms by examining oscillograms from simple resonant circuits, interpretation problems occur. These problematic oscillograms are explainable by recognizing that the typical resonant filters pass significant amounts of several harmonics adjacent to the one intended. Adjacent harmonics effects are computed; resulting…

Presents examples of physics as applied to the sport of skiing. Examples examine the physics of sliding, unweighting, ski turning, wind resistance, the parabolic and circular motion of aerial skiers, and the aerial maneuvers of ski jumpers. (MDH)

Presents a lab experiment to demonstrate application of the iterative capability of spreadsheets. Activity involves a variable spacing parallel-plate capacitor and an electrometer. (PR)

Describes making a cardboard frog. Discusses the physics of various motions of the frog. Provides diagrams showing how to make the frog, the motions, and the mechanics formulas. (YP)

Examines the problem of determining the minimum center of mass for a can with a varying height of liquid in it. Uses PC SOLVE computer software to graphically represent the problem situation. (MDH)

Described is an activity in which students calculate constant velocity using a tape cassette player. The objectives, procedures, graphing directions, and formulas and values needed for the calculations are included. (KR)

Describes a set of activities designed to help students determine whether walking or running in the rain will keep you drier. Includes a range from simple to sophisticated formulas that attempt to consider a number of variables and some basic laws of physics in the calculations. (TW)

Presents one way, using simple materials available in hardware stores, to obtain accurate measurements of gravity acceleration in student laboratories. Analyzes a time-of-flight measuring scheme and discusses the experimental arrangements to make the measurements. (MDH)

Presents an experiment to investigate centripetal force and acceleration that utilizes an airplane suspended on a string from a spring balance. Investigates the possibility that lift on the wings of the airplane accounts for the differences between calculated tension and measured tension on the string. (MDH)

Describes the construction of a wave generator used to review the algebraic relationships of wave motion. Students calculate and measure the weight needed to create tension to generate standing waves at the first eight harmonics. (MDH)