Describes systems used to introduce students to the concept of torque and discusses the effects that puzzle the beginner in the introductory lab. (JRH)

Describes an introductory physics experiment concerned with scattering particles off various force centers. The experiment uses simulation techniques and a computer. The scattering is classical, and the student examines plots of computed particle trajectories. The results illustrate the concepts of differential corss-section, total cross-section,…

Discusses electric and magnetic forces between parallel-wire conductors and derives, in a simple fashion, order of magnitude estimates of the ratio of the likely electrostatic and electromagnetic forces for a simple parallel-wire balance. (Author/HM)

Offers a relatively simple analysis of the asymmetrical "sticking" and rolling behavior of two balls, one steel and one rubber, on an incline. Describes an Interactive Physics (TM) simulation designed to study the problem and gives rough experimental results. (WRM)

Discusses the Weinberg-Salam theory of the weak and electromagnetic interactions which is an attempt at a partially unified theory for physics. (HM)

Describes the discovery and characteristics of superconductors. Discusses some experiments on the levitation of a magnet over a superconductor. (YP)

Traces the history of the search for the ultimate nature of matter. The work of outstanding physicists since the late nineteenth century is discussed as it relates to the total picture of the search for a single unifying theory. (SA)

Describes the construction and use of a magnetic needle that is stronger than those conventionally used for experiments with electromagnetism. (WRM)

The purpose of the Toys in Space project was to create new ways for children to discover the joy and excitement of science and technology in the world around us. This book describes how familiar toys behave in the space environment where the downward pull of gravity is absent, and clearly documents those principles of physics that explain why the…

Presents an examination of the buoyancy principle which can serve as a simple but rigorous illustration of a falsification test that not only clears up a possible misconception but also points the way to a number of practical uses of buoyancy measurements that have not generally been recognized. (MVL)

Outlines 39 physics demonstrations that utilize simple objects such as coffee and soda cans to illustrate scientific concepts. (12 references) (MDH)

Nearly 100 teachers worked with staff members at the Exploratorium museum in San Francisco, California, to create scaled-down versions of Exploratorium exhibits that teachers could make on their own using common, inexpensive, readily-available materials. The experiments--called "snacks"--are divided into easy-to-follow sections that…

Many educators feel that elementary school science programs should concentrate on phenomena and concepts that are literally tangible. This document serves as the teaching manual which accompanies the Capsela modular system of manipulative and motorized models. The experiments in the manual are intended to provide a structured approach to using the…