Described is a computer tutor designed to help students gain a qualitative understanding of important physics concepts. The tutor simulates a teaching strategy called "bridging analogies" that previous research has demonstrated to be successful in one-on-one tutoring and written explanation studies. The strategy is designed to remedy…

Describes an interactive computer program (RelLab) that acts to introduce the fundamental ideas of relativity to students. Students working cooperatively investigate paradoxes of relative motion by constructing thought experiments and discussing their findings. (ZWH)

This final report summarizes work done to formulate and test some cognitively-based principles useful for designing instruction in scientific or engineering fields. These principles stress the coherence and interpretability of the knowledge acquired by students. The principles were specifically applied to: (1) analyze the underlying knowledge and…

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)

Reviews the following computer programs: "Restless Earth" (National Geographic Society); "Science Cap 2.0" (DEMCO); "My Own Stories (MECDC); Wild Science Arcade (Binary Zoo); "Out and About" (Optical Data); "Botanical Gardens" (Sunburst); "BodyScope" (MECC); and "Mineral, Where and Why?" (Arizona Board of Regents). (PR)

Provides critiques, price lists, and computer requirements for selected population education software programs. Reviewed programs include: Demo-graphics; Malthus; Coexist; Rice Farming; Popgro; Manrgy; Population Growth; and Simpolicon. Addresses of the distributors are also provided. (ML)

Described is how spreadsheet and problem solver microcomputer programs may assist students in performing mathematical calculations. Discussed is the application of the equation solver "MathCAD" to various areas in the undergraduate curriculum. (KR)

Reviewed are two computer software programs for Apple II computers on weather for upper elementary and middle school grades. "Weather" introduces the major factors (temperature, humidity, wind, and air pressure) affecting weather. "How Weather Works" uses simulation and auto-tutorial formats on sun, wind, fronts, clouds, and…

Describes an intelligent tutoring system named MENDEL, including problem GENERATOR, TUTOR, student MODELER, ADVISOR, hypothesis CHECKER, and problem SOLVER. This software may be used by high school or university biology students as a tool for learning concepts and problem-solving strategies in transmission genetics. (YP)

Describes how spreadsheets can be used for helping students learn about direct current electrical circuits. (PR)

This final report in the MicroSIFT series reviews 10 software packages that deal mainly with the areas of electricity, magnetism, and heat energy. Software titles appearing in this report were selected because they were judged to be exemplary according to various criteria in the MicroSIFT Evaluator's Guide, with some additions to address science…

Evaluates the attributes of a microcomputer software package as a supplement to chemistry instruction. Reports higher scores among the students in a control group. Discovers no significant interaction between treatment and development stage. Discusses several implications for further research. Provides the General Chemistry Test and error analysis…

Uses computers to help students identify variables controlling pendulum period. A program written in BASIC for the Apple computer is provided. The activities are useful for developing science skills, mathematics skills, and computer skills. (PR)

Describes experiences for engineering students to develop spatial awareness and reasoning capability. Describes geometric modeling, basic geometric concepts, operations, surface modeling, and conclusions. (YP)

This paper describes the characterization of a student's framework of heat and temperature, and the development of a microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL) intervention program for grade 9 and grade ll students. The report presents the results of classroom study, including interview questions and answers and pretest/posttest, from experimental and…