States and discusses some confusing and misleading statements found in an introductory physics textbook for high school students on electric currents and their magnetic fields. (GA)

Traces the early history of an experiment, the launching of a copper or aluminum ring above the pole of an alternating current magnet at switch-on, that was conducted by Elihu Thomson in the last century and presents a simple qualitative explanation of the effect involved. (GA)

Relates stories about the benefits of project-based learning. Describes engaging students through projects, motivating hard-to-reach students, and challenges for teachers. Includes list of common features of project-based learning. (PKP)

Described is the use of ordinary ceramic magnets to replace the more expensive bar magnets commonly used. Suggestions for 11 task cards to help introduce children to the uses and principles of magnetism are provided. (CW)

Provides the apparatus setup, experimental method, necessary formulas, and references for three measurement experiments: (1) "Determine the Magnetic Induction of a Coil with a Hall Element"; (2) "Measuring Magnetic Force and Magnetic Field of Small Permanent Magnets"; and (3) "Measurements of Sound Velocity by Means of PZT" (piezoelectric…

Describes how liquid nitrogen is attracted to the poles of neodymium magnets. Nitrogen is not paramagnetic, so the attraction suggests that the liquid nitrogen contains a small amount of oxygen, which causes the paramagnetism. (MVL)

Discusses the meaning of velocity in the Lorentz force law and to what the velocity of the charge is relative. Provides a brief summary of the history of the magnetic force. (23 references) (MDH)

A Florida county, under a federal court order to desegregate its schools, adopted a plan of controlled school choice approved by the federal court. The county was divided into three zones that roughly reflected the school system's racial composition. A computerized lottery, with provisions for keeping siblings together and attractive programs for…

Uses extremely strong neodymium magnets to demonstrate several principles of physics including electromagnetic induction, Lenz's Law, domain theory, demagnetization, the Curie point, and magnetic flux lines. (MDH)

Presents relatively simple experiments that allow students to see inductive current and electromagnetic force caused by the earth's magnetic field. (WRM)

Two case studies describe the development of alternative assessment within urban North Carolina elementary schools, examining each assessment development process, identifying commonalities and differences, and relating real-world endeavors to the change process. The studies argue for placing alternative assessment on the school reform agenda,…

Investigated relationships between urban parents' reasons for choosing magnet schools and their levels of satisfaction, involvement, and influence at school. Parents chose schools for many reasons and were highly satisfied with their choices. Parents reasons for choice are important predictors of their level of satisfaction, influence, and…

Presents three activities to teach elementary students about why magnets stick to some things but not others. The activities have students discover what makes materials magnetic, what the lines of force are in a magnetic field, and how magnetic forces penetrate materials such as paper and cardboard. (SM)

Investigates the mental models that people construct about magnetic phenomena. Involves students, physics teachers, engineers, and practitioners. Proposes five models following a progression from simple description to a field model. Contains 28 references. (DDR)

Because of a 1975 desegregation decree, the Louisville Central High School Magnet Career Academy could not enroll more than 50 percent African-Americans. The court dissolved the decree. Now, a school that has been 300 to 400 students under capacity, due to former racial guidelines, can operate at full capacity without denying opportunities to any…