New Books
... [Phys. Today 60, 68 (2007)] published Tue May 1, 2007.
Experimental Techniques for Low-Temperature Measurements: Cryostat Design, Material Properties, and Superconductor Critical-Current Testing
Jack W. Ekin and George O. Zimmerman
... [Phys. Today 60, 67 (2007)] published Tue May 1, 2007.
Many Worlds in One: The Search for Other Universes
Alex Vilenkin and Andrei Linde
... [Phys. Today 60, 66 (2007)] published Tue May 1, 2007.
Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters
James P. Sethna and Susan Coppersmith
... [Phys. Today 60, 65 (2007)] published Tue May 1, 2007.
A Short Introduction to Quantum Information and Quantum Computation
Michel Le Bellac and Gregg Jaeger
... [Phys. Today 60, 64 (2007)] published Tue May 1, 2007.
The Great Escape: Nine Jews Who Fled Hitler and Changed the World and The Martians of Science: Five Physicists Who Changed the Twentieth Century
Kati Marton, Istvan Hargittai, and Barton J. Bernstein
... [Phys. Today 60, 63 (2007)] published Tue May 1, 2007.
Web Watch
Charles Day
... [Phys. Today 60, 34 (2007)] published Tue May 1, 2007.
New Teaching Credential
Joe Heafner
... [Phys. Today 60, 12 (2007)] published Tue May 1, 2007.
The Value of a Good Science Education
Robert Levine, James C. Pechmann, Judith B. Pechmann, and Arthur Smith
... [Phys. Today 60, 10 (2007)] published Tue May 1, 2007.
Special Issue of the JPVT From the Design and Analysis Committee
Dennis K. Williams
... [J. Pressure Vessel Technol. 129, 225 (2007)] published Tue May 1, 2007.
Photonics in the Auditory System
Bahman Anvari, William E. Brownell, Dennis M. Freeman, and Mats Ulfendahl Special Section Guest Editors
... [J. Biomed. Opt. 12, 021001 (2007)] published Mon Apr 30, 2007.
Preface to Special Topic: Plenary and Invited Papers from the 28th International Conference on the Physics of Semiconductors, Vienna, Austria, 2006
P. James Viccaro
... [J. Appl. Phys. 101, 081501 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Influence of Cooperative Learning Techniques on Student Self-Confidence and Factors Affecting Learning Physics
Zafer Tanel and Mustafa Erol
In this study, we aimed to determine the influence of cooperative learning on student self-confidence and factors affecting learning physics. In order to reach specific goals, one month lasting pre-test and post-test controlled experimental work was carried out on 100 students all attended general p ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 848 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Medical Physics Approaches during Liquid Movement Education
D. Vladimirova, N. Popdimitrova, G. Zlateva, A. Gegova, and J. Deleva
On the basis of information given in students' inquiry some problems were established in studying the topic liquid movement and to improve the results some arrangements have to be planned. (C)2007 American Institute of Physics ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 847 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
The Effect of Using the Cooperative Learning Strategies on Students' Conceptual Change for the Subject of Mechanical Waves
Rabia Tanel, Serap Kaya Sengoren, and Nevzat Kavcar
In this study, worksheets prepared on mechanical waves were used for cooperative learning lessons and it was found that cooperative learning method improved the students' conceptual change. (C)2007 American Institute of Physics ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 846 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Integrated Approach in Teaching: Medical Examples in Physics
Slobodanka Stankovic
Integrated and multidisciplinary approach in teaching in general became an everyday practice. It opens up many possibilities for teachers to incorporate a numerous examples from different fields in the fundamental subject. Surprisingly, there are no many examples of the basic functions of human body ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 845 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Physics Teaching in Problem-Based Learning
Gamze Sezgin Selcuk and Mehmet Tarakci
Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir (Turkey), is known with its active learning system. As being among the first examples in the world, some departments of Engineering Faculty of this University have adopted the modular-staged problem based active learning system. In this paper, we have introduced to show ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 844 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Taxsonomical Analysis of Results of Competitive Examination in Physics for Engineers in Technical University --- Sofia
R. G. Kobilarov, V. G. Kobilarova, and S. M. Nikolov
Systematical analysis of results of competitive examination in physics in Technical UniversitySofia have been performed in terms of taxonomy of educational goals. The investigation included more than 3000 examination tests during the past years. Received results have been compared with similar analy ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 843 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
The Effect Of The Materials Based On Multiple Intelligence Theory Upon The Intelligence Groups' Learning Process
I. Oral and O. Dogan
The aim of this study is to find out the effect of the course materials based on Multiple Intelligence Theory upon the intelligence groups' learning process. In conclusion, the results proved that the materials prepared according to Multiple Intelligence Theory have a considerable effect on the stud ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 842 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
A Study On The Effect Of Multiple Intelligences Theory Upon The Success Level Of Genders
Imran Oral
In this study, the effects of Multiple Intelligences theory upon the success level of genders were investigated at three high schools in Konya. In conclusion, a significant difference has not been found between groups for multiple intelligences and groups for pre-tests. In general, the female studen ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 841 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Self-Evaluating in Teaching Process as a Factor of Improved Engagement and Success of the Pupils
T. Misic, Lj. Nesic, and G. Djordjevic
Psychological and motivational factors are very important for work in general, and also for engagement in teaching process. The goal of introduction of the self-evaluating list into the schools is to motivate as large as possible number of pupils to be active in the class. The whole concept of the l ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 840 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
The Complementary Teaching of Physics and Music Acoustics --- The Science of Sound
D. Milicevic, D. Markusev, Lj. Nesic, and G. Djordjevic
The results of some up-to-date solutions referring to teaching physics as a part of educational reform in Serbia, can be negative in a great deal to content and scope of teaching process which has existed so far. Basic course and characteristics of those solutions mean decreasing the number of clas ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 839 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Development And Use Of A Rubric For The Assessment Of Students' Performance In Solving Problems On Newton's Law Of Motion
Mustafa Sabri Kocakulah and Nezahat Nigah Aytac
In this study, which involves 73 second year university students, the researchers aimed to develop a rubric to solve questions on Newton's Law of Motion and show the effectiveness of the designed rubric on problem solving. Having completed the content analysis, researchers presented the topics to th ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 838 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Physics Teaching In The Technical Universities And The Physics Evolution in the Last Century
E. Bodegom and D. Iordache
Starting from the study of the Physics evolution (as described by the main results obtained in frame of the Physics Nobel prizes), this work aimed to study and point out some possibilities of improvement of the didactic technologies intended to better Physics training and understanding by future eng ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 837 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
A Study On School Practice Of Students In Field Teaching Master Of Arts Without Thesis
Hatice Guzel
Teacher training and the quality of the trained teachers include a large number of problems about the education system and practices that are constantly on agenda in Turkey. Teacher candidates should be well trained in order to possess certain qualifications. (C)2007 American Institute of Physics ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 836 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Impact of General Physics Laboratory II Course on Recognizing Electricity Experiments' Tools
Y. Ege, A. G. Cirkinoglu, N. Aytac, and H. Ozcan
In this study, the abilities related to the tools and their functions that are used in electrical experiments in the general physics laboratory II courses by the 1st grade students attending the education of science teaching in Balikesir University, in 20052006 education year has been researched. Th ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 835 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Do Science and Physics Teachers Need to Use More Daily Life Connections During the Instruction?
I. Marulcu, B. Gul, and M. Dogan
In this study, we intended to investigate at what level daily life connection is used in science and physics classes. We investigated elementary and secondary level students' and elementary level science teacher's opinions about supporting science and physics instruction with daily life connections. ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 834 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
A Research on Student Performance Evaluation Methods Used in Science and Physics Education
I. Marulcu, B. Gul, and M. Dogan
In science education, many methods can be used for evaluating student performance. In this survey study, we aimed to investigate which assessment methods are mostly used in science classes of middle schools in Turkey. We Hypothesized that not all of them are used effectively. Outcomes of the study v ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 833 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Computer Supported Physics Experiments
Dilber Nalan Istanbullu and Isa Dumanoglu
The use of computer in physics experiments simplifies getting data. It also gives a great convenience in calculation and getting graphs that helps interpretation of the results. It's possible to use a computer as a measurement device by correct interface system and software. By this study the physic ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 517 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Medical Physics Education at the University of Novi Sad --- Serbia
Slobodanka Stanković, Miroslav Vesković, Olivera Klisurić, and Vesna Spasić
Overview of new educational program and training in Medical Physics at the University of Novi Sad is presented, where the medical physics education from undergraduate to doctoral study is established in the last decade. Necessity for basic and additional education and hospital training for medical p ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 515 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
The Interactive Approach in the Teaching of Mathematical Methods in Physics
Radost I. Vassileva
Traditional pedagogical practice is mainly directed towards the implementation of obligatory syllabuses, transfer of knowledge, formation of skills and habits in students. It is authoritative and imperative in its essence. Modern educational tendencies impose the promotion of a pedagogical process w ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 513 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Learning Strategies of Physics Teacher Candidates: Relationships with Physics Achievement and Class Level
Gamze S. Selcuk, Serap Caliskan, and Mustafa Erol
Learning strategy concept was introduced in the education field from the development of cognitive psychology. Learning strategies are behaviors and thoughts that a learner engages in during learning which are intended to influence the learner's encoding process. Literature on learning strategies in ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 511 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
European Project (Eu Train --- No 226518-CP-1-2005-F-COMENIUS-C21) on Comenius 2.1. Program for a Better Teaching Practice of Students in Physics and Chemistry
Zh. Raykova, R. Mitrikova, St. Nikolov, Y. Dimova, S. Valtonen et al.
Recent research shows that students' interest in science is decreasing dramatically. This places urgent demands to making science teaching better so as to stimulate interest in it. Future teachers who are to cope with the problem are the main figures in this process. Teaching practice as a fundament ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 509 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
``Hands on'' Experiments in Integrated Approach in Teaching Physics and Chemistry
D. Ž. Obadović, M. D. Segedinac, and M. M. Stojanović
The accelerated technological development, which represents a natural frame of growing up of young generations, in parallel with the decline of their interest in physics, chemistry and natural sciences in general, imposes an enhanced in teaching process. In integrated approach in teaching of physics ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 507 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
First Year University Students' Ideas On The Motion Of The Charged Particle In A Magnetic Field
Mustafa Sabri Kocakulah
Recent studies have been carried out to understand students' conceptions of scientific phenomena. This study aims to elicit students' ideas on the motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field and to consider the effectiveness of a university physics course. Changes in 95 university first year st ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 505 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Quantity Estimation Of The Interactions
Agim Gorana, Partizan Malkaj, and Valbona Muda
In this paper we present some considerations about quantity estimations, regarding the range of interaction and the conservations laws in various types of interactions. Our estimations are done under classical and quantum point of view and have to do with the interaction's carriers, the radius, the ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 503 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Evaluation Of Novice Physics Teachers' Teaching Skills
Orhan Karamustafaoglu
The purpose of this study is to evaluate novice physics teachers' teaching skills they developed through teaching programs. This work has been carried out by employing ease study approach. The findings were collected from the semi-structured observations and interviews made by three novice physics t ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 501 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Identification of Pre-Service Physics Teachers' Misconceptions on Gravity Concept: A Study with a 3-Tier Misconception Test
Derya Kaltakci and Nilufer Didis
In this study misconceptions, lack of knowledge and error are discriminated from each other and shown in percentages with a three tier Gravity concept test. It is conducted on 41 pre-service physics teachers on grades 4 and 5 at Middle East Technical University. (C)2007 American Institute of Physics ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 499 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Teaching Science in Primary School: Serbian Experience With Project ``Ruka u Testu''(Hands-on, La Main [a-grave] la p[a-circumflex]te)
Stevan Jokic
Do the operation Ruka u testu (La Main a la pate) found in Serbia a favorable ground for its development. Started in 2001, since 2003, the Serbian Ministry of Education decided to propose an option Ruka u testu Discovering the World (30 hours per year), for primary classes (pupils of 68 years old). ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 497 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
A Need for Enhancing Environmental Context in Physics Education at Bosnian Universities: Questionnaire Study
Zalkida Hadzibegovic
One of the most important aspects in teaching and learning physics is to recognize, study, and understand the environment. Today, physics teachers need to introduce the risks associated with climate changes to their students, thus preparing them to analyze and resolve existing environmental issues, ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 495 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Implementation of Physics Education in Nature; A Pioneer Rescue Team Study: An Explanation by Physics
Zeynep Gurel, Huseyin Ergen, and Atilla Gurel
Within this research, it is generally aimed at constituting a sample implementation which shapes the contents of physics course together with its social facet and at forming a platform and starting debates for the contents. Within that purpose, we have conglomerated the students, their professor and ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 493 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Impact of General Physics Laboratory II Course on Students' Learning Some Electrical Concepts
Y. Ege, A. G. Cirkinoglu, N. Aytac, and H. Ozcan
Looking over the studies made on science education, it will easily be noticed that almost all of them focus on which educational method affects the students' success positively according to conceptual education. Experimental activities are, important. High level of students' knowledge and skills whi ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 491 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Specialized vs. Standard High School Classes and Their Results in Physics
G. Djordjevic, Lj. Kostic-Stajkovic, T. Misic, and Lj. Nesic
Three years ago, one high school class for students with special abilities in physics was founded in Nis, Serbia (www.pmf.ni.ac.yu/f_odeljenje). The basic aim of this project is introducing broadened curriculum of physics, mathematics, computer science, as well as chemistry and biology. Three years ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 489 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Developing Web-based Homework System to Evaluate Students' Homework Performance and Physics Achievement
Neset Demirci
Web-based homework and assessment have been becoming widespread practice in physics courses. Although some disagreement whether this is an encouraging or uncertain growth for student learning, there is inadequate research assessing the pedagogical effect of changing the medium from on paper, hand-gr ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 487 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Correlation Between University Students' Kinematic Achievement and Learning Styles
A. G. Cirkinoglu and N. Demirci
In the literature, some researches on kinematics revealed that students have many difficulties in connecting graphs and physics. Also some researches showed that the method used in classroom affects students' further learning. In this study the correlation between university students' kinematics ach ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 485 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Development of Physics Self-Efficacy Scale
Serap Caliskan, Gamze S. Selcuk, and Mustafa Erol
In this article, we describe development of a Physics Self-Efficacy Scale (PSES) that is a self-administered measure to assess physics self-efficacy beliefs regarding one's ability to successfully perform physics tasks in physics classroom. The scale is initially composed of 56 items prepared follow ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 483 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
Using Gif (Graphics Interchange Format) Images In Physics Education
M. Sahin Bulbul
In Computer Based Physics Education, Java and Flash programs are used. However learning how to use them is rather difficult and their preparation takes a long time. Although the usage and preparation of GIF images are easy they are largely neglected in Physics Education. This study suggests that the ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 481 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
The Importance of Cognition, Metacognition and Motivation in the Character Development through Science Education
Derya Baykent and Isa Esme
This is a discussion paper in order to show the importance of cognition, metacognition and motivation in an individual's character development through Science. Two studies were illustrated for this reason. By means of the first study it is aimed to provide students with better comprehension skills i ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 477 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.
An Object Oriented Framework for Customizable Physics Education Software
Hurol Aslan
The learning improvements resulting from employing computers in physics education may be insufficient to convince many instructors to follow the trend leading to learner-centered education models. The instructors who are not willing to invest time and resources to create their own educational softwa ... [AIP Conf. Proc. 899, 475 (2007)] published Fri Apr 27, 2007.