Classifying a particle requires an understanding of the type of bonding that exists within and among the particles, which requires an understanding of atomic structure and electron configurations, which requires an understanding of the elements of periodic properties, and so on. Rather than getting tangled up in all of these concepts at the start…

Three-dimensional visualization is helpful in understanding soils, and three dimensional (3-D) tools are gaining popularity in teaching earth sciences. Those tools are still somewhat underused in soil science, yet soil properties such as texture, color, and organic carbon content vary both vertically and horizontally across the landscape. These…

The universities and faculties which educate teachers of mathematics for teaching pupils/students of any age group from pre-school age to higher education carefully monitor and compare valuable results of this research, detect the areas in which the mathematical achievements of pupils should be improved at the national level and propose the ways…

The biochemistry lecture is often the place where students receive the greatest exposure to the structural nature of biomolecules. The use of molecular visualization software and web-based animated tutorials has enhanced the way instructors teach this important area of structural biology. Using the software and tutorials in class is an excellent…

Describes two thought experiments, involving visualizing the behavior of functions, that can be turned into computer experiments. (MKR)

A new computer-based molecular visualization tool has been developed for teaching, and learning, molecular structure. This java-based jmol Amalgamated Molecular Visualization Learning Environment (jAMVLE) is platform-independent, integrated, and interactive. It has an overall graphical user interface that is intuitive and easy to use. The…

Science and mathematics educators are expected to use existing educational technologies effectively and to keep informed about emerging technologies that might become important educational tools in the not-so-distant future. This monograph offers some help in that regard by highlighting a number of existing and emerging educational technologies.…

This CD-ROM consists of software that allows both teachers and students to create and experiment with mathematical models by linking shapes, graphs, numbers, and equations. It is usable for demonstrations, home learning, reinforcing concepts, illustrating concepts that are difficult to visualize, further pupil investigations, and project work.…

Researchers in the field of bioinformatics have developed a number of analytical programs and databases that are increasingly important for advancing biological research. Because bioinformatics programs are used to analyze, visualize, and/or compare biological data, it is likely that the use of these programs will have a positive impact on biology…

Discusses four activities focusing on communication about shapes and spatial relationships. The activities include requiring students to sketch patterns, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional visualizations. Provides several figures showing the geometric shapes. (YP)

Identified are three obstacles which students must overcome when examining and interpreting diagrams. The resources of the Geometric Supposer, a set of microcomputer tools designed to aid students, are outlined. The advantages of the use of this software are emphasized. (CW)

Computerized simulation of physical phenomena is a growing area of high-performance computing, providing a new approach to scientific discovery and offering creative, efficient, and effective alternatives to laboratory experiments for teaching graduate and undergraduate science. The technique is a very important scientific and instructional tool.…

Presents a discussion illustrating student reasoning while using LOGO to draw tilted squares and rectangles. Suggests that teachers recognize that many students use visual imagery to reason and discuss visual reasoning with students. Gives examples of tasks to promote discussion. (MDH)

The purpose of a seminar attended by mathematics educators from the United States and Japan was to explore ways that use of technology in teaching problem solving can improve student learning. The following presentations were made: (1) "A Report of U.S.-Japan Cross-cultural Research on Students' Problem-Solving Behavior," (T. Miwa and T.…