This 157-page resource outlines a workshop on electric circuits intended for secondary and college physics teachers.

The purpose of this manual is to present a sequence of investigations that will provide introductory physics teachers with "enough hands-on experience with electric circuits to feel confident in presenting this material to their students" (p. 1.2).

The primary audience for this resource is physics workshop leaders; the secondary audience is the high school or college physics teachers who either participate in the workshops or use the resource directly.

This resource is one of seven teacher workshop manuals published by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). The opening section includes an equipment list, presentation suggestions for workshop leaders, and a bibliography. The second section offers background information about the laboratory experiments as well as a set of transparency masters for use in workshops or classrooms. The third section presents seven laboratory investigations written as participant handouts with diagrams that illustrate models and apparatus. The topics include mapping equipotentials, investigating properties of resistors and diodes, using transistors as switches, studying capacitors, and constructing an integrated timer circuit. Subsequent sections treat demonstrations, student assignments, computer applications, technology, and sample test questions.

The monograph is well organized. The physics content is sound, coherent and appropriate for introductory physics teachers.

This resource is appropriate for a one- or two-day workshop for introductory physics teachers. The manual is written with sufficient clarity to be used directly by teachers, either to learn the content or to guide them in designing their own instructional units. Professional development providers are advised to work through the activities prior to the workshop, especially those not commonly addressed in introductory courses. While the activities are not presented in a constructivist mode, they could be adapted to that format.

It is important to use materials with the specifications listed in the resource. These materials are readily available and inexpensive. The authors provide the necessary cautions to the few activities where there is danger of exposure to 120 volt A.C.

Because this manual was written in 1993, prior to publication of the National Science Education Standards, users may want to refer to the Standards to identify investigations appropriate for specific grade levels. They may also want to consult resources about student misconceptions, learning research, and pedagogy.