The purpose of this paper is to describe a three-year limited-run offer of an energy science certificate in the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus, along with lessons learned that can be of use to other institutions considering comparable programs. Energy science is a loosely defined discipline that traditionally straddles physics and mechanical,…

Constructing Direct Current (DC) electric circuits is simple and engaging for primary students, but that is not all there is to learning about electricity. Mandatory learning in the Australian Curriculum: Science (ACARA, 2018) expects Year 6 students to explain some of the processes underlying electric circuits. The abstract nature of key…

A catalog of student-computer dialogues for physics teaching at the University of California at Irvine lists twenty different programs. Signing on and off are explained, then sixteen nongraphic and four graphic dialogues are listed with author, student level and information content described. (RB)

Briefly describes a physics course for nonmajors which focuses on light and color. (PEB)

A description of the first two quarters of the beginning physics course at the University of California at Irvine is given. Lectures, films, student-computer dialogues and weekly assignment sheets dealing with special problems are used with much student choice allowed. Computer dialogues are used for proof learning, remedial mathematics, and…

New physics programs in Great Britain include a program with emphasis on mathematics and other sciences, and a joint honors program combining physics with another discipline, such as philosophy, economics, or English. Future programs may include even broader programs, in areas such as energy science or resources utilization. (MLH)

The Comprehensive Unified Physics Learning Environment (CUPLE) is a project that brings together innovative uses of the computer for physics teaching into a single, multi-purpose learning environment. The status of college-level introductory physics teaching is reviewed. In these courses, physics instructors have been forced to be satisfied with…

Enumerates characteristics of the physics curriculum at a high school designed for gifted students in science. Details areas of concern, observed changes, and particular management strategies in teaching physics to a very large number of students. (CS)

Describes a proposal for a new physics program for geology majors at the University of Rome based on a problem-oriented approach and extending the range of physics concepts covered by more traditional courses. Emphasis is put on applying physical concepts to geological problems. (Author/SK)

Describes a physics classroom in Briarcliff High School, Briarcliff Manor, New Jersey. Over 50 percent of the student body studies at least a year of physics before graduating, but less than 15 percent take a computer course. The physics programs discussed illustrate five different computer applications. (MP)

Describes the development of activity centered science minicourses in an isolated California high school, and lists the characteristics considered essential for a good minicourse curriculum. Advocates a program in which specialist teachers travel between small rural schools with limited resources, presenting well developed and exciting…

Describes an interdisciplinary microcomputer and microelectronics program offered jointly by the Physics and Computer Science Departments of East Texas State University. The program operates on both the graduate and undergraduate level. Content as well as structure of the program are discussed. (Author/DS)

This article describes an introductory physics laboratory program which teaches three skills: (1) the ability to make estimates and order-of-magnitude calculations, and to use these to check experimental work, (2) the ability to use qualitative and quantitative statistics, and (3) the ability to describe an experiment in one's own words.…

Describes the structure and content of a four-year physics/microcomputer degree program at the University of Surrey. (SK)

Describes the Career Oriented Pre-Technical Physics (COPP) curriculum. This curriculum, comprising 29 modules, uses a hands-on, practical, nature to stress the career-vocational aspects of physics. Students design their personal curricula and proceed at their own pace. Evaluative information, comparing this program with other physics curricula, is…