International Commission on Physics Education (ICPE) Newsletter, Issue 34

This April 1997 issue focuses on reforming undergraduate physics education, reporting on the ICUPE conference’s call for changes to curricula and pedagogy to meet evolving societal and workplace needs. It emphasizes active learning, problem-solving, and technology integration, alongside professionalizing the physics baccalaureate. A book review of Arnold Arons’ Teaching Introductory Physics highlights its insights and conceptual challenges for teachers. Other features include sample problems, a creative take-home lab using marshmallows to measure the speed of light, and strategies for teaching science through problem-solving. The issue lists upcoming physics education conferences, curated internet resources, and notable 1996 research papers.