Described are several physics activities developed by a high school: research corner, exploring an invention, construction projects, archives report and archives update, short term research and design projects, essay contest, and special projects. (YP)

Describes the educational system and national preparations for the International Physics Olympiad of the Soviet Union and Romania. Suggests some recommendations for American education. (YP)

Physics First--a movement to invert the traditional science course sequence to teach physics at the ninth-grade level--is gaining interest. However, there is limited literature exploring how to support teachers in successfully implementing Physics First. To address this, a professional development (PD) program supporting a cadre of teacher-leaders…

Describes the reordering of a ninth-grade physics course that aimed at making core concepts clear to the students while at the same time developing students' skills and depth of understanding. Discusses its benefits and associated problems. (JRH)

Suggests criteria for constructing a "basic" physics program based on such premises as limited class time, time and practice needed for skill development/understanding structuring of subject matter, and choices of content and approach. Long-range objectives related to the list of premises are discussed. (SK)

Describes efforts aimed at reforming physics courses for first-year engineering and science students at Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey. Discusses the establishment and working of the Physics Learning Center (PLC) and its impact on the retention and performance of students. (JRH)

Presents an interview with Fletcher G. Watson, best known to physics teachers as codirector of Harvard Project Physics. Dr. Watson speaks of his career as a science educator, history of science, Piaget, state of science education in the United States, and curriculum projects, among other topics. (SK)

Presents excerpts of an interview with Philip Morrison, Institute Professor of Physics at M.I.T., who has made significant contributions to areas ranging from high-energy astrophysics to elementary school science education. (Author/SK)

Reports the results of a national survey on teaching introductory physics at the college level. Lists the names of the most frequently used textbooks, reasons for changing textbooks used earlier, information regarding laboratory manuals, and instructor's comments on this type of course. (YP)

Discusses a course proposal which concentrates on fewer topics and covering the topics in greater depth. Proposes a sequence in which each topic is introduced phenomenologically, the theory is developed, and the applications are discussed. Uses optics as an example. Lists some disadvantages and advantages of the proposed topical organization. (YP)