This 116-page physics workshop guide is an introduction to lightwave communications written for secondary physics teachers and students.

The purpose of this resource is to present "a brief history and theoretical framework for understanding lightwave communications, student activities, and demonstrations." (Section 1, p. 5). The presentation emphasizes hands-on investigations using devices constructed by participants from simple, inexpensive components.

The primary audience is physics workshop leaders; the secondary audience is introductory physics teachers who either participate in the workshops or use the resource directly. Sections 3 and 5, which present the activities and homework assignments, are written for high school physics students.

This resource is one of several workshop manuals published by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) which are available individually or as a set. This manual is based upon a summer institute where secondary science teachers studied with research physicists from AT&T, Bell Laboratories, and Rutgers University.

The guide begins with detailed planning information for workshop leaders, an equipment list, and a brief bibliography. The second section, written for physics teachers, treats the physics of the light-emitting diode and the properties of bias circuits and solar cells, components used in subsequent experiments.

The third section, the student module, contains detailed instructions and diagrams for the hands-on activities and the demonstrations as well as background information on the physics and technology of lightwave communications. Topics include methods for modulating light to transmit information, use of low-loss optical fiber guides for light transmission, and comparison of analog vs. digital methods of transmitting information.

Subsequent sections offer teaching suggestions, instructions for demonstrations and displays, student assignments and problems, contemporary technological applications, and sample test questions that are appropriate for workshop participants or their students. Transparency-ready diagrams are included, and an appendix provides detailed instructions for constructing several of the devices mentioned in the manual.

This resource presents an array of creative hands-on activities that introduce phenomena qualitatively first and then mathematically. The content is rigorous and goes beyond the standard physics textbook in covering elementary electronics and the physics of many of the newer devices in the marketplace.

Although the guide is introduced as a resource for high school physics teachers and students, the activities are also appropriate for an introductory college course. One reviewer commented that the experience of assembling the circuits described in the manual would be rewarding for teachers.

Reviewers noted that the experience-based approach might prove especially valuable in teaching physics to non-traditional students.

This manual was written prior to publication of the National Science Education Standards. Therefore, users will want to refer to the standards to identify investigations appropriate for specific grade levels.

One reviewer noted that while the guide does not emphasize constructivist pedagogy, it provides multiple resources for workshop leaders planning a constructivist-oriented presentation.