Describes the implementation of a computer simulation of magnetic field lines. Discusses properties of magnetic fields and the calculation of magnetic fields at points. Provides a program listing (additional programs and teaching notes available from the author) and gives examples of several field plots. (JM)

Discusses various software packages which help science and mathematics students make sense out of data (formulating hypotheses, interpreting graphs, analyzing possibilities, and collecting data with real-time graphing). Includes a list of commercially available programs for the areas, with program name, publisher, grade level(s), price, and…

Presents seven computer-oriented activities. Although some of the activities assume a certain level of computer expertise, all of them can be easily adapted for students in any grade. Activity topics include electronic geoboard, codes/coding, probing problems, looping, metrics, Logo databases, and writing Cinquain poetry. Program listings are…

Describes instructional uses of computer programs found in David Heiserman's book "Projects in Machine Intelligence for Your Home Computer." The programs feature "creatures" of various colors that move around within a rectangular white border. (JN)

Explores some of the difficult areas of copyright protection for computer software including legal and illegal copying; values imparted to students if illegal software copies are used; and teacher and administrator responsibility. A suggested school district policy on software copyright is presented. (MBR)

Describes a multiformat simulation game based on the theme of budgeting for food and its original development as a manual exercise for use with old age pensioners. The game's current versions, their uses, and target audiences are discussed along with how the exercise was made generally available in a do-it-yourself package. (Author/MBR)

Discusses the general characteristics of database management systems and file systems. Also gives a basic framework for evaluating such software and suggests characteristics that should be considered when buying software for specific scientific applications. A list of vendor addresses for popular database management systems is included. (JN)

Apple's SuperPILOT is an authoring language that allows teachers to easily and quickly create effective programs for classroom use. SuperPILOT features (such as turtle graphics routines) and commands are described. Several sample program listings (including one for a tutorial on the periodic table) are presented. (JN)

Argues that most school systems in the United States fit into one of the five evolutionary stages of computer use: initial experimentation, state legislative involvement, search for software, initial computer integration, and full integration. These stages are described and tips on how to choose the best computer software are given. (MBR)

Encourages the use of microcomputers in the science classroom, providing information on uses (e.g., simulation and modeling, drill and practice programs, interface with lab equipment, conceptual data analysis, database management, and word processing), logistics, equipment, and software. (DMM)

Describes a system (Apple II microcomputer interfaced to flexible, custom-designed digital hardware) which can provide: (1) Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) computation on real-time data with a video display of spectrum; (2) frequency synthesis experiments using the inverse FFT; and (3) real-time digital filtering experiments. (JN)

This paper describes the design and construction of a local network of microcomputers at the Electrical Computer Engineering Department at Florida Institute of Technology. The design criteria for such a network and the possible applications are discussed. (JN)

Describes a computer program which plots electric field line plots. Includes program listing, sample diagrams produced on a BBC model B microcomputer (which could be produced on other microcomputers by modifying the program), and a discussion of the properties of field lines. (JN)

Discusses a simulation on enzyme kinetics based upon the ability of computers to generate random numbers. The program includes: (1) enzyme catalysis in a restricted two-dimensional grid; (2) visual representation of catalysis; and (3) storage and manipulation of data. Suggested applications and conclusions are also discussed. (DH)

Describes an interactive graphics package which illustrates the phase behavior of binary mixtures. The package has been successfully used with graduate and undergraduate students in the chemical engineering curriculum at Cornell University. Features contributing to this success are noted. (JN)