The use and misuse of the superposition principle to analyze electrical circuits are discussed. (KR)

Describes the theory behind tapered resistors and liquid crystals and their use in the Duracell battery test strip. Presents related electrical problems for students. (JRH)

Two different methods of measuring the temperature of an incandescent lamp at various voltage levels are described. By observing the color produced at a particular voltage levels, the lamp's color as a function of temperature can be determined. Needed equipment include a variac, a voltmeter, and an ammeter. (KR)

Describes an approach to the teaching of electricity that uses box and AVOW diagrams, novel representations of the properties of the electric circuit that portray current, voltage, resistance, and power. The diagrams were developed as aids in learning, understanding, and problem solving and to promote conceptual change by challenging a number of…

A quantitative application of magnetic braking performed with an air track is described. The experimental measurement of the position of the glider as a function of time is calculated. (KR)

Describes design-based science, which aims to develop useful skills for a wide range of actual problem-solving situations involving science. Discusses units of design activities concerning the voltage and lifetime of batteries and the potential in science education. (KHR)

Describes the use of the black-box technique to explore electrical circuit design and circuit elements. (JRH)

French tenth grade physics classes were observed as they studied electric circuits over a one-year period. An analysis is presented of tests taken during the year. The main point separating "average" students from "good" ones is their performances in "implicitly difficult exercises," that is, in what appears…

For some time industrial educators have been concerned with effective methods of teaching electricity-electronics. This study compared the relative effectiveness of the predesigned-circuit method with a student-designed circuit method for students' laboratory experience. Using one unit of college-level industrial education…

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the ef"ects of direct-detailed and directed discovery laboratory methods on selected behavior characteristics of college students during a 3-week period. The 120 students wer" enrolled in three sections of an electricity course under three teachers. During the first 3 weeks of the experiment, 20 students…

In order to investigate the nature of students' prior knowledge of current electricity and how they applied their knowledge to different problems, 5 middle school science teachers and 11 elementary school teachers were given a written test that required them to: (1) predict what happens to the brightness of a bulb if a change is made to the…

THE COMMITTEE ON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCIENCE OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY SCHOOL STUDY COUNCIL REPORTS THEIR WORK ON SUGGESTED CURRICULUM FOR GRADES 1-6. THE BELIEF IS THAT SCIENCE IS A MAJOR STUDY AREA IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AND SHOULD BE TAUGHT TO ALL PUPILS IN A PLANNED LEARNING SEQUENCE, WITH DUE CONSIDERATION BEING GIVEN TO THE MATURITY OF THE CHILD.…

Twenty science experiments are presented. Topics include recombinant DNA, physiology, nucleophiles, reactivity series, molar volume of gases, spreadsheets in chemistry, hydrogen bonding, composite materials, radioactive decay, magnetism, speed, charged particles, compression waves, heat transfer, Ursa Major, balloons, current, and expansion of…