Computers, laptops, interactive whiteboards, and iPads make regular appearances in our daily lessons, but are they being used to their fullest potential? In an effort to use technology with students in a meaningful way, the authors incorporated a free app and online graphing resource into a second-grade lesson on the characteristics of a lake…

Describes how to fit binocular observations of the planets to a theoretical model of circular orbits using a modern computer spreadsheet, from which fundamental data about the solar system may be deduced. (AIM)

Describes how a spreadsheet is used to fit a circular orbit model to observations of Jupiter's moons made with a small telescope. Kepler's Third Law and the inverse square law of gravity are observed. (AIM)

Uses the PowerPoint program instead of paper in student projects. Describes the background and procedure for project implementation. Presents students' written comments on the project and discusses the challenges of incorporating multimedia into the earth science curriculum. (YDS)

Describes the development and implementation of an undergraduate earth science course using WebCT, a multipurpose software package. The course included class e-mail, science hyperlinks, an online calendar, an online discussion board, and online handouts. (DDR)

Described is a set of FORTRAN programs, suitable for teaching and research purposes, that simulate contact and regional metamorphism. Equations, examples, program uses, and availability are discussed. (CW)

The use of computers in classrooms to support and extend instruction is a topic which is being discussed in major educational forums across the United States. Until a few years ago, computer use in schools was the exclusive domain of the mathematics department. Other content areas have now found ways to use computers to enhance their instruction.…

Describes how interactive programs for scientific modeling may be created by using spreadsheet software such as LOTUS 1-2-3. Lists the advantages of using this method. Discusses fractional distillation, batch partial melting, and combination models as examples. (CW)

Describes how the limitations of the built-in graphics capabilities of spreadsheet software can be overcome by making full use of the flexibility of the grahics options. Uses triangular plots with labeled field boundaries produced using Lotus 1-2-3 to demonstrate these techniques and their use in teaching geology. (CW)

Spreadsheets are well suited to many geochemical calculations, especially those that are highly repetitive. Some of the kinds of problems that can be conveniently solved with spreadsheets include elemental abundance calculations, equilibrium abundances in nuclear decay chains, and isochron calculations. (Author/PR)

Introduces a software package available for the climatology curriculum that determines possible climatic events according to a long-term climate history. Describes the integration of the software into the curriculum and presents examples of active learning. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)

Discussed is a program created to serve as an instructional tool for teaching basin analysis. Described is the use of the program for interpreting plots resulting from backstripping methods. Included in the discussion are implementation, applications and availability of the "Subside!" program. (CW)

Discusses a weather prediction activity connecting local weather network by computer modem. Describes software for telecommunications, data gathering, preparation work, and instructional procedures. (YP)

Describes a "tracing the sun" worksheet combining models with computer programs and classroom discussion. Provides the worksheet including the nine steps of the activity and several discussion questions. (YP)

Describes the author's computer-based program for a subduction-zone-earthquake exercise. Instructions for conducting the activity and obtaining the program from the author are provided. Written in IBM QuickBasic. (PR)