Investigations in Natural Science is a program in secondary school biology, chemistry, and physics based upon the description of science as a quest for knowledge, not the knowledge itself. This student manual contains the 36 physics investigations which focus on concepts related to: movement; vectors; falling objects; force and acceleration; a…

This module is designed to give the learner an understanding of the nature of light and how its properties are used in the design of spectrophotometers. Problems promote the use of spectrophotometers in qualitative analysis, the optical elements used in a monochromator, and the physical properties of the prism and the diffraction grating. Other…

Experiments to provide an understanding of the principles related to the pressure cooker are presented. Objectives included are designed to provide the learner with the ability to calibrate a thermistor for measuring temperature; explain the meaning of latent and specific heat; calculate latent and specific heat; use a Bourdon tube pressure gauge…

The different approaches to the generation of power from solar energy may be roughly divided into five categories: distributed collectors; central receivers; biomass; ocean thermal energy conversion; and photovoltaic devices. The first approach (distributed collectors) is the subject of this module. The material presented is designed to…

Describes an electronic technique for making a series of timing measurements in quick succession, using the signal from one photodiode. Two undergraduate experiments, one on linear momentum and the other on angular momentum conservation, are included. (HM)

This is the second document on the teaching of electronics to appear as part of UNESCO's science and technology education program. An introductory section describes the role that electronics plays as part of the physics curriculum. The following section outlines the content of the electronics course. The outline includes guidelines for determining…

Discusses the energy flux-density of two beams of light of equal energy that are intersected at a given angle. Examines an apparent contradiction to the physics law of conservation of energy known as Vavilov's paradox. (MDH)

This student text and laboratory manual is designed primarily for the non-college bound high school student. It can be adapted, however, to a wide range of abilities. It begins with an examination of the properties of nuclear radiation, develops an understanding of the fundamentals of nucleonics, and ends with an investigation of careers in areas…

While the new movement in the teaching of physics--the study of the physics of daily life--is the keynote of the recent text-books, yet the laboratory manuals still adhere to the old method, leaving the presentation of material from everyday life to the text-book alone. It is the authors' belief that the manual as well as the text-book should be…

A technique is presented for producing holograms using equipment which is already in the possesion of the majority of college physics departments, which includes a slightly modified Michelson interferometer, a helium-neon laser, and a long focal-length lens. Production of high quality holograms has been achieved by inexperienced undergraduates…

Describes briefly three experiments, which are presented by three physics teachers to share their ideas with other teachers and readers. These experiments are: (1) a simple hazemeter for window pollution assessment; (2) the speed of light; and (3) the ball-bearing electric motor. (HM)

The Hands-On and Far-Out Physics project is part of the Center for Technology, Environment, and Communication (C-TEC), a project-based learning community at Piner High School in Santa Rosa (California). This article introduces the project team, discusses member activities, presents a walking-speed experiment, and describes a Mars Colony course…

This document is a laboratory manual for an undergraduate physics course at Purdue University, the major goals of which are to develop students' laboratory skills, to illustrate principles and phenomena described in the physics lectures, and to promote conceptual change about the major topics in Newtonian mechanics. A hardware and software guide…

Presents two methods for measuring the index of refraction of glass or lucite. These two methods, used in the freshman laboratory, are based on the fact that a ray of light inside a block will be refracted parallel to the surface. (HM)

Bridges and similar constructions are highlighted in this book of guided lessons and activities for secondary school physics students. This program was developed by the Physics Curriculum Development Project under the auspices of the Physics Curriculum Innovation Committee. Contents include: (1) "Introduction" (presenting a rationale for…