Presents an application of fundamental principles of mechanics for an isolated system in solving problems related to rocket velocity and exhaust elements. (JRH)

Uses change (mostly pennies) in a one-liter plastic soda bottle to get students to practice estimation skills and creative thinking in an effort to determine the amount of money in the bottle. (MVL)

A real problem from the everyday world is presented. Students are asked to estimate the distance between two planes using a photograph taken by a passenger on one of the planes. The process used to solve the problem and possible errors encountered are discussed. (KR)

Described is how the crumpling of paper balls exhibits the concept of a topological dimension similar to fractals. The mass of the crumpled paper ball is found to be proportional to its diameter raised to a nonintegral power. (KR)

An exercise which relates particle scattering and the calculation of cross-sections to answer the following question--"Do you get wetter by walking or running through the rain?"--is described. The calculations used to answer the question are provided. (KR)

Argues that high school teachers have given up on trying to teach equations and mathematics to poorly prepared, inner-city, or very average students. Describes a mathematical problem-solving physics course for all types of students from average to honors. (CCM)

Provides a reproducible flow chart to aid students in problem-solving skill development. Steps include: determining what is asked; choosing a relationship; and checking validity of the relationship. Teacher notes are given to improve instruction. (DH)

Discusses uses of the process approach to teach problem solving techniques to education students enrolling in a noncalculus physics course. Indicates that the prospective teachers are given opportunities to do real problem solving with the hope that they can foster in secondary school youngsters a better inquiry approach to science. (CC)

Discusses the use of a spreadsheet program to vary the parameters in multiloop circuit problems. Enables students to better understand how the elements in a multiloop circuit determine the current by allowing them to see the results of the changes immediately. (JRH)

Presents exercises that analyze the additive property of energy. Concludes that if a body has more than one component of energy depending on the same physical quantity, the body's total energy will be the algebraic sum of the components if a linear relationship exists between the energy components and that physical quantity. (JRH)

Outlines and illustrates the Dartmouth approach to developing a science project. This problem-solving approach, promoted by the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, helps teachers in guiding students in all phases of project work. (JRH)

Discusses and provides an example of reflectivity approximation to determine whether reflection will occur. Provides a method to show thin-film interference on a projection screen. Also applies the reflectivity concepts to electromagnetic wave systems. (MVL)

Provides a problem where students are asked to find the point at which a soda can floating in some liquid changes its equilibrium between stable and unstable as the soda is removed from the can. Requires use of Newton's first law, center of mass, Archimedes' principle, stable and unstable equilibrium, and buoyant force position. (MVL)

A discussion of what E=mc2 means and other issues associated with the equation are presented. The differences between matter, mass, and energy, a derivation of the equation, the history of the word mass and examples of how it is used, misconceptions surrounding the equation, and a discussion of uranium fission are included. (KR)