Describes the creation of the computer program "BOUNCE," designed to simulate a weighted piston coming into equilibrium with a cloud of bouncing balls. The model follows the ideal gas law. Utilizes the critical event technique to create the model. Discusses another program, "BOOM," which simulates a chain reaction. (CW)

Points out two areas of difficulty in teaching Newtonian dynamics. Describes several alternatives to physics learning using new technology. Details the use of the LOGO computer language in teaching simple Newtonian environments. Suggests the potential for creating new learning experiences in dynamics with new technology. (CW)

Describes techniques in LOGO, which are applicable to A-level and above. The techniques use a dynamic modeling approach, which considers system behavior in terms of state transitions over successive short intervals. Advantages and disadvantages of using LOGO are noted. (JN)

Describes 17 situations in physics which require students to write computer programs to solve. All the projects are general in nature and require students to have a thorough conceptual understanding of the content to apply the algorithm needed to solve the specific type of problem illustrated. (JN)

Discusses what is meant by a linear program and states and illustrates two of the theorems upon which the methods of linear programing rest. This description is intended as an introduction to linear programing of physics students. (HM)

Discusses the notion of a musician's workstation and a curriculum for teaching musicians about the use of computers in music. Explains that the curriculum includes elements of physics and psychoacoustics, recording arts and sciences, the philosophy of technology and the musical arts, analog and digital electronic music, ergonomics, and computer…

Suggests that students can learn the physics of a musical note by learning how to synthesize sounds on a computer. Discusses ADSR (attack, decay, sustain, and release of a note) and includes a program (with listing) which students can use to examine ADSR on a Commodore 64 microcomputer. (JN)

Discusses making a computer-simulated rainbow using principles of physics, such as reflection and refraction. Provides BASIC program for the simulation. Appends a program illustrating the effects of dispersion of the colors. (YP)

A model of the phenomenon of the desert mirage is presented using Snell's Law and simple programing techniques. Optical trajectories predicted by the model are illustrated. (CW)

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)

Educational robots are defined, their essential characteristics and features are outlined, and their educational applications and what makes them run are discussed. Classroom experiences with five educational robots--Topo, Rhino XR-2, RB5X, Hero I and Tasman Turtle--are described. (MBR)

Describes the deterministic simulation (a given input always leads to the same output) and probabilistic simulation (new states are subject to predefined laws of chance). Provides examples of the application of the two simulations with mathematical expressions and PASCAL program. Lists seven references. (YP)

Describes a six-week summer program for gifted high school students in mathematics, science, and computer programing, conducted by the Center for Mathematical Services at the University of South Florida. Discusses the assessment tests used and the courses and topics taught, particularly the chemistry concepts and skills. (TW)

Discusses chaotic behavior (movement) in a nonlinear system using LOGO programs. Presents several examples with program listings. (MVL)

Describes efforts of members of the biology and physics departments of Paisley College (Scotland) to develop a simple light-emitter-detector arrangement adapted as a colorimeter interfaced with a microcomputer for use by undergraduate students. Discusses the setup and provides a computer program in BASIC to run it. (CW)