Reviews "Thermodynamics" (Cross Educational Software) and "Calorimetry and Thermodynamics" (Educational Materials and Equipment Company). The first package has seven programs (briefly described) while the second package contains virtually an identical subset of the Cross package. (JN)

This description of the use of "probeware," i.e., hardware which connects to a microcomputer and works with the software to measure factors such as temperature, light, or motion in science laboratory experiments, uses as an example an experiment which would involve the measurement of pendulum motion using the "Precision Timer…

Evaluates the technical efficacy of the V-Scope in measuring motion produced by a phonograph turntable, a template furnished by the manufacturer, a free-fall apparatus, some pendula, a gyroscope, and three air tables. Concludes that the V-Scope gives excellent results and is easy to use. (MDH)

Evaluates 10 courseware packages covering topics for introductory physics. Discusses the price; sub-topics; program type; interaction; possible hardware; time; calculus required; graphics; and comments on each program. Recommends two packages in projectile and circular motion, and three packages in statics and rotational dynamics. (YP)

Computer software packages that are commercially available for physics instruction are compiled in this paper. Information for each program includes: the broad subject category (i.e., mechanics, waves and sound, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics and light, modern physics, mathematical models, or general reference/testing…

Presents information and concerns regarding computer courseware, books, and audiovisual materials reviewed by teachers. Covers a variety of topics including dissection of common classroom specimens, medicine, acid rain projects, molecules, the water cycle, erosion, plankton, and evolution. Notes on availability, price, and needed equipment, where…

Examines the problem of determining the minimum center of mass for a can with a varying height of liquid in it. Uses PC SOLVE computer software to graphically represent the problem situation. (MDH)

Discussion of the use of computers in education focuses on ways to teach with limited computer resources. Learning processes with computers are described, the teacher-student relationship is examined, and examples of instruction using only one computer are given, including simulation programs in physics and the use of spreadsheets in mathematics.…

Lists a BASIC program which computes the equilibrium constant as a function of temperature. Suggests use by undergraduates taking a one-year calculus-based physical chemistry course. Notes the program provides for up to four species, typically two reactants and two products. (MVL)

Describes the implementation of a trajectory-plotting program for a microcomputer; shows how it may be used to demonstrate the focusing effect of a simple electrostatic lens. The computer program is listed and diagrams are included that show comparisons of trajectories of negative charges in the vicinity of positive charges. (TW)

Proposes the V-Scope as a teaching aid to measure, analyze, and display three-dimensional multibody motion. Describes experiment setup considerations, how measurements are calculated, graphic representation capabilities, and modes of operation of this microcomputer-based system. (MDH)

Designed for use by science teachers, this document provides selected lists of computer software collected by the Science and Mathematics Software (SAMS) lab at Florida State University. The commercially available software is compiled under the subject areas of biology, chemistry, and physics. Each list provides: (1) recommended grade level; (2)…

Describes a heat capacity experiment designed to provide an interactive environment between the student, the experiment, and the computer. Discusses computer software that has been developed so that the entire interaction can be coordinated from the computer keyboard. (TW)

Describes an accurate system for measuring speeds and frequencies with a microcomputer. Explains how the system can give a reasonable graphical representation of velocity and acceleration against time. Gives examples of graphs produced by the program and provides an address to obtain the software for their application. (CW)

The increasing availability of the computer in the classroom has created a need for informed and creative instructional software. Two areas of cognitive research in mathematics and science learning have implications to instruction and, consequently, to educational software design. These are research on misconceptions and on differences between…