This issue of the journal contains abstracts and critical comments for 13 published reports of research in mathematics education. Topics include: (1) effects of mathematics anxiety on preservice elementary teachers; (2) visualizing rectangular solids; (3) computer simulations and abstract thinking; (4) the association of foldout shapes with…

The purpose of this research bulletin is to provide educational decision-makers with empirical data for making informed decisions relative to the integration of technology in schools. Ten expanded abstracts of research studies are included here, each with a background/problem statement, list of study goals, description of methodology, conclusion…

Two classroom studies, one conducted in the spring of 1985 and the second in the spring of 1986, showed that many high school students do not differentiate between heat and temperature; instead, they have a single concept that contains some of the features of heat and some of the features of temperature. Because the distinction between these two…

Discusses the importance of the use of models in modern science. Suggests that models can make a significant contribution to the teaching of science and mathematics. Explains that representative models, analogue models, logical models, and theoretical models are most commonly used models in science and mathematics. (TW)

Promotes the use of computers in teaching not only to solve problems but also to help students be better at analyzing problems and developing procedures for their solution. Outlines several problems where a computer-assisted analysis can help give students a thorough understanding of the topic. (TW)

This annotated listing provides information on 23 microcomputer programs in the areas of career/vocational information, college and financial information, and job-seeking skills. Information provided for each program includes the title, appropriate level for use (children to adult), availability, hardware required, and a brief description. (CDD)

Reviews two chemistry software packages: (1) "Organic Reaction Chemistry" (organic chemistry, college level, Apple II); and (2) "Chemical Reactions, Reactions in Aqueous Solution, and Oxidation Reduction Reactions" (general chemistry, college level, IBM). (MVL)

Summarizes eight papers from the 1989 National Educational Computing Conference (NECC). The papers describe: (1) programs for teaching physical science, astronomy, and mathematics; (2) integrating telecommunications into school science; (3) use of models and simulations; and (4) the 1988 Association for the Education of Teachers in Science…

Reviews three software programs: (1) "Cartooners"--develops creative arts and animation, grades 1-6, Apple IIGS; (2) "PC Globe+"--social studies, geography, grades 4-12, IBM(384K); (3) "Wood Car Rally"--physical science, scientific method, grades 3-9, Apple II. (MVL)

Contends that an important goal in history instruction is helping students understand the complexity of events. Describes the use of "Escalation," a commercially available computer simulation, in a high school U.S. history class. Includes excerpts from student journals kept during the activity. (CFR)

This booklet outlines the use of computers in elementary and secondary science classrooms. Chapters and their topics are: (1) "A Computer-Enriched Science Learning Environment" (an introduction); (2) "Computer-Assisted Learning" (lesson formats for drill and practice programs and tutorial programs, and several example programs); (4)…

With creativity and innovation, environmental educators have begun wielding the ever increasing power of computers to promote and enhance environmental education. These pioneering programs and applications are the focus of this publication. This monograph is a sampling of the potential, problems and promises of this field. The four major content…

This volume is divided into full formal paper manuscripts and 200-word abstracts of presentations that were made without submitting formal papers. The 73 papers presented in full represent recent research and applications in the field of computer-based instruction. They are organized into 13 sections by special interest group: (1) Computer-Based…

Many feel that an advantage to using computer simulations in science teaching is that they give students the opportunity to witness or perform experiments which might otherwise be too expensive, time consuming, or dangerous for them to do. Simulations attempt to mimic the kind of experience students get in a laboratory and help students learn new…

This unit is designed to acquaint middle school students with Pascal's Triangle. The unit is intended to be completed in small groups with a minimum of teacher direction. Students complete the activities by using manipulatives, calculators and computers and then report the results to the teacher and the class. The activities include: (1) patterns…