Details the assembly and operation of two interactive computer-student dialogs developed for use primarily with elementary and secondary teachers. The dialogs use graphic facilities for teaching about the sky as seen from the earth and about the phases of the moon. (Author/CP)

Presents a computer program that uses radial and transverse star movements to make approximations of the closest approach in light years. In addition using the present actual visual magnitude the greatest magnitude attained is calculated. (Author/GS)

Describes three dialog programs which have been used in introductory astronomy classes. The magnitude system, Kepler's third law, and the scientific method are the program topics. (CP)

An educational technique to calculate the lifetime of a comet using software-generated random numbers is introduced to undergraduate physiques and astronomy students. Discussed are the generation and eligibility of the required random numbers, background literature related to the problem, and the solution to the problem using random numbers.…

Discusses: (1) feature of videodisc technology which make it a versatile educational tool; (2) availability of videodiscs for teaching physics and astronomy; and (3) example of the ways these videodiscs can be used in instructional settings. Tables listing physics and astronomy videodiscs (title, author, source, cost, and abstract) are included.…

Presents a review of computer programs written for the Apple Macintosh computer that teach astronomy. Reviews general programs, along with some which deal more specifically with sky travel, star charting, the solar system, Halley's Comet, and stargazing. Includes the name and address of each producer. (TW)

Reviews educational computer games, tutorials, and drill/practice programs for Atari and Apple microcomputers. Includes: games/nursery rhymes for pre-schoolers; graphics, word scramble, and vocabulary programs; mathematics programs (fractions, reading/solving mathematics problems, estimating angles/lengths); science (chemistry, weather, astronomy,…

Discusses several ways of teaching about constellations. Includes background and historical information, suggestions on visiting a planetarium, and a bibliography for sources of constellation stories, computer courseware, and constellation slides. Suggests ways of having students produce their own constellation slides. (TW)

Discusses the use of laserdiscs and interactive video technology in an earth science classroom. Delineates the basic equipment needed for a laserdisc workstation, along with a software authoring system. Describes the development and use of a software program called Mission Earth, which contains four lessons on astronomoy. (TW)

This document was developed to help teachers locate computer software to enhance the teaching of traditional physics at all educational levels. It contains a table listing approximately 900 packages. The table is organized by type of computer (Apple II, Atari, Commodore, IBM PC, Macintosh, and TRS-80) and is alphabetized first by publisher and…

This book addresses some of the methods by which science can be made accessible to children, both in school and non-school settings. It contains information on effective science education for elementary school age children, and includes a catalog of books and other materials. Topics discussed in the book include: (1) planning; (2) approaches to…