Describes a method for teaching electronic structure and its relevance to chemical phenomena that relies on computer-generated three-dimensional models of electron density distributions. Discusses the quantum mechanical background needed and presents ways of using models of electronic ground states to teach electronic structure, bonding concepts,…

Presents examples that illustrate how spreadsheets can be used to ask and answer all sorts of scientific questions given suitable automation of useful spreadsheet procedures. Examples include data exploration, data analysis, project presentation, simulations, and students writing their own models. (Author/JRH)

Discusses in great detail aspects connected with the visual and mental processing of chemical images. Presents various types of conventions for translating three-dimensional objects into two-dimensional representations. (Author/CCM)

Describes a three-dimensional computer modeling system for biological molecules which is suitable for sixth-form teaching. Consists of the modeling program "RasMol" together with structure files of proteins, DNA, and small biological molecules. Describes how the whole system can be downloaded from various sites on the Internet.…

Presents a model to explain the behavior of oscillatory phenomena found in the soda bottle oscillator. Describes recording the oscillations, and the design of the model based on the qualitative explanation of the oscillations. Illustrates a variety of physiochemical concepts including far-from-equilibrium oscillations, feedback, solubility and…

The structure, execution, uses, and software specifications for this spreadsheet file are discussed. Availability and modifications of this program are described. (CW)

An activity that shows how mathematics can be used to model events in the real world is described. A way to calculate the area of the sun covered by the moon during a partial eclipse is presented. A computer program that will determine the coverage percentage is also included. (KR)

Shows how some of the simple ideas in complexity can be investigated using a spreadsheet and a macro written in Visual Basic. Shows how the sandpile model of Bak, Chao, and Wiesenfeld can be simulated and animated. The model produces results that cannot easily be predicted from its properties. (Author/MM)

Presents a model based on a bicycle metaphor for teaching problem solving and computer-mediated solutions, discusses its implications for education, and lists ten strategies applied using the model. Provides a unit plan on using spreadsheets to explore Australian convict history, outlining establishment, development, interpretation, and…

Describes a "Synthesis and Reactivity" curriculum that focuses on the correlation of laboratory experiments with lecture topics and the extension of laboratory exercises beyond the usual four-hour period. Highlights experiments developed and an out-of-class computational chemistry exercise using CAChe, a versatile molecular modeling…

Demonstrates and compares three commercially available statistical software packages, Statistics Workshop, Data Insights, and Data Desk, using a five-component investigation model to analyze a problem about hat sizes. (MKR)

Describes using a computer statistical software package called Minitab to model the sensitivity of several microbes to the disinfectant NaOCl (Clorox') using the Kirby-Bauer technique. Each group of students collects data from one microbe, conducts regression analyses, then chooses the best-fit model based on the highest r-values obtained.…

Presents a model for using the Internet to teach high school students about plasma physics and fusion energy. (Author/CCM)

The model for color vision put forward by Edwin Land is explained. The aspects of the theory that can be demonstrated within the classroom are described. A random arrangement of straight-edged colored areas mounted on a screen, called a Mondrian, projectors, and a computer are used to calculate reflectance. (KR)

Reviews a simple theory that describes the bounce of an air-filled ball and predicts that the contact time should be independent of the speed of impact. Presents experimental results that disagree with the theory and an alternative model that agrees with experimental results. (DDR)