The implementation of a modern game-console controller as a data acquisition interface for physics experiments is discussed. The investigated controller is equipped with three perpendicular accelerometers and a built-in infrared camera to evaluate its own relative position. A pendulum experiment is realized as a demonstration of the proposed…

This book is designed to be a quick and easy resource for anyone teaching physics for the first time. Written after extensive research, this book is filled with reliable labs, demos and activities that work well in the classroom. Also included are lesson plans, diagrams, and teacher notes for every activity. The book is not the end--it is just a…

Describes an out-of-doors, partially unstructured experiment to determine the coefficient of friction for a moving car. Presents the equation which relates the coefficient of friction to initial velocity, distance, and time and gives sample computed values as a function of initial speed and tire pressure. (GS)

Describes an analog electronic simulator for the motion of an object projected horizontally in a vertical acceleration field. The device features adjustable values for the horizontal speeds and "gravity." Trajectories are displayed on an oscilloscope. (Author/CP)

Provides an analytical solution of a model representing the collision of an atom with a harmonic oscillator, interacting via a repulsive square well potential. Presents results for various energies and strengths of inelastic scattering. (Author/CP)

Describes an interdisciplinary kinesiology course which incorporated a minicourse on the physics of sports. Outlines the topics treated in the minicourse and reports findings of student gains in both the affective and cognitive domains. (GS)

Describes a rocket propulsion demonstration utilizing a child's wagon and a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. (CP)

Provides a more exact solution to the motion of a pendulum through use of elliptic integrals and the perturbation theory of Kryloff and Bogoliuboff. (CP)

Details early work on laws of motion, particularly inertia, through the use of Galileo's writings. (CP)

Utilizes a rotating table and strobe photographs to provide students with a direct record for quantitatively analyzing rotational effects. (GS)

Describes an approach wherein the student selects a single type of simple item and uses it as the basis for making a physics demonstration. Provides an example that uses a cheese dish in eighteen different demonstrations. (GS)

Describes the result of dropping objects of similar size and shape but of differing weight through air. Compares ideas on motion of Galileo and Aristotle. (GH)