Focus on Physics: Quickly Teaching Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration—Part 1

Journal Article | January 2019

Motion is best learned by keeping it simple—by neglecting the effects of air resistance, as well as the effects of buoyancy, spin, and the shape of moving objects.

Science 102: The Speed of Light

Journal Article | June 2016

This column shares exercises to challenge content knowledge. This month's issue presents a new challenge and answers the Falling Pennies challenge from last month.

Speed Kills! (Or Does It?)

Journal Article | October 2009

Students can’t ask for much more fun than skateboarding during class time. With some additional concept learning, that kind of fun can be incorporated into a debate that encourages students to practice scientific…

Idea Bank: Measuring the Speed of Sound

Journal Article | June 2008

The following physics lab activities are new versions of old experiments for measuring the speed of sound—what makes them new is their use of electronic interfacing, which can be exciting for students. Each activity…

Idea Bank: Getting Up to Speed

Journal Article | September 2011

The Idea Bank provides tips and techniques for creative teaching, in about 1,000 words. In this month’s Idea Bank, the author discusses the common high school physics activity of calculating walking speed. The author…

Focus on Physics: Electromagnetic Waves and the Speed of Light

Journal Article | January 2018

This column helps teachers build an understanding of physical principles. This issue covers electromagnetic waves.

Teaching the New Taxonomy: Getting up to speed on recent developments in taxonomy

Journal Article | February 2002

Not only is today's taxonomy very different than we learned in school, but it is also different than the system in most textbooks. These exercises are a good way to encourage students to think about the basic assumption…