The paper describes a Logo environment designed by an occupational therapist to help 10 disabled students (6-9 years old) explore relative distance, directionality, and spatial relations. The program's goals include enhancing students' language development, planning skills, decision making, risk taking, and problem solving. Logo is briefly…

This brief article identifies software that supports visual spatial intelligence, a characteristic of many intellectually gifted children. Such software should be complex, flexible, and include visual components. The review of five software titles provides information on appropriate ages, computer compatibility, and source, as well as an…

Four blind adults explored the spatial layout of landmarks in a large-scale space utilizing a microcomputer simulation of the environment and a tactile graphic aid of a similar environment. Although subjects learned the landmarks' locations faster using the tactile graphic aid, the accuracy of their spatial knowledge was equal with both…

Describes three microcomputer programs that allow geology students to deform two-dimensional images on a computer screen and then to measure changes in angular relationships. Two of the programs simulate pure and simple shear and the third simulates variations in shear strain that occur in shear zones. (ML)

Describes the components and approach used in a computer-assisted map analysis program. Provides a course syllabus, program principles, and a listing of instructional resources. Also identifies and explains program materials for student and instructor use. (ML)

To help students develop measurement skills using metric units, an activity on making a box is described, with a worksheet for students. A second article discusses graphing elementary functions with a real domain, while a third article describes computer-assisted practice in graphing sine and cosine functions. (MNS)

Contends that students in spatial analysis courses generally are familiar with computer use and programs but lack basic computer programing skills. Describes four exercises in which students learn programing using BASIC and dBASE. Asserts that programming exercises help students clarify concepts, understand the rationale behind calculations, use…

A proposition that 3-D CAD provides an array of unambiguous solutions to engineering problems is illustrated. This proposition assumes that engineering problems are conceived in parallel processing mode while they are solved in sequential processing mode. Circle construction analysis, parallel equidistant planes, and solid modeling are discussed.…

An approach to reduce the barrier between two-dimensional computer-aided drafting and three-dimensional constructive solids modeling is graphically illustrated. This process, or some derivative, encompasses a significant portion of the future direction for engineering graphics education. (KR)

Described is a pilot course which includes a designed set of exercises to instruct students in procedures for creating solid models. A detailed description and analysis of students' various approaches used in completing a final design project are included. (KR)

Describes some developmental changes in children's free creations with pattern blocks and demonstrates how to build on this natural interest to teach Logo programing. (PK)

The existing methods for graphically illustrating projection and coordinate systems for manual and computer-aided drafting and design are examined. Inconsistencies in methods used to graphically depict first and third angle projection in texts and the lack of attention in the relationship of projection to coordinate systems are noted. (KR)

An algorithm is described for generating smooth curves of first-order continuity. The algorithm is composed of several cubic Bezier curves joined together at the user defined control points. Introduced is a tension control parameter which can be set thus providing additional flexibility in the design of free-form curves. (KR)

The focus of this article is on how computer graphics can be integrated throughout the engineering graphics curriculum to increase visual perceptual skills. Visual perception is defined, the need to develop it is described, and methods which engineering graphics educators can use to develop it are outlined. (KR)

Presented is a proposed formula for determining the bearing angle and the slope angle for the line of intersection using the strike and dip angles of two given plane segments. Included is the development of the formula and three example problems. (KR)