Computational and atmospheric chemistry are two important branches of contemporary chemistry. With the present topical nature of climate change and global warming, it is more crucial than ever that students are aware of and exposed to atmospheric chemistry, with an emphasis on how modeling may aid in understanding how atmospherically relevant…

The Teaching Teamwork Project is using an online simulated electronic circuit, running on multiple computers, to assess students' abilities to work together as a team. We pose problems that must be tackled collaboratively, and log students' actions as they attempt to solve them. Team members are isolated from one another and can communicate only…

This article attempts to introduce the reader to computational thinking and solving problems involving randomness. The main technique being employed is the Monte Carlo method, using the freely available software "R for Statistical Computing." The author illustrates the computer simulation approach by focusing on several problems of…

The ability and to make good estimates is essential, as is the ability to assess the reasonableness of estimates. These abilities are becoming increasingly important as digital technologies transform the ways in which people work. To estimate is to provide an approximation to a problem that is mathematical in nature, and the ability to estimate is…

This snapshot introduces a computer-based representation and activity that enables students to simultaneously "see" the combinatorial space of a stochastic device (e.g., dice, spinner, coins) and its outcome distribution. The author argues that the "ambiguous" representation fosters student insight into probability. [Snapshots are subject to peer…

Managing the pedagogical aspects of the "computational turn" that is occurring within the Humanities in general and the disciplines associated with cognitive science and neuroscience in particular, first implies facing the challenge of introducing students to computation. This paper presents what has proven to be an efficient approach to bringing…

The computer is in the process of becoming an important aid to the teaching of statistics and probability at the middle and secondary levels. Examples show ways in which the computer can facilitate learning of mathematical concepts through tutoring, simulation, and computation. (JN)

A scheme which classifies the instructional applications of computers is designed to overcome the confusion created by the imprecision and equivocation associated with computer terminology. The classification is restricted to instructional applications, allows that some applications could apply to more than one category, and reflects a continuum…

Discusses the feasibility of running computer-based economic simulations on a pocket programmable calculator. Two programs are described. For each program, information is presented on objectives, operating instructions, notes to the teacher, and detailed instructions to students. (Author/DB)

This study investigated the variation of meaning that may be assigned by students to instructional symbol systems. Toward this end, student interpretations of symbols employed to represent free fall in Boxer, a computational environment designed for innovative instructional activities in math and science, were analyzed. Four classes of…

Discusses the use of computer-illustrated texts to teach statistics at the college level. Microcomputer-based software that can be used in the areas of calculation, graphics, simulation, animation, and text presentation is described; and use of the software for lectures, laboratory use, and tutorials is discussed. (three references) (LRW)

Offers a way of teaching quantitative thinking through a software program called, "Hot Dog Stand." This simulation provides students with practice in planning expenses, in computing problems, and in dealing with a situation in which outcomes depend on random events. Also includes suggestions for computer use during non-scheduled time. (ML)

Described are several spreadsheet templates which use the functions of iteration and logical look-up which allow students to calculate and graph quantum mechanical functions and to simulate rotational and vibrational energy level and spectra. The templates are listed in the appendix. (KR)

Discusses the use of the computer software MINITAB in teaching statistics to explore concepts, simulate games of chance, transform the normal variable into a z-score, and stimulate small and large group discussions. (MDH)

The Swedish National Board of Education sent a study group to the United States to collect information concerning trends on the educational uses of computers and, drawing upon what was learned on the trip to America, to determine the future role of computers in Swedish education. Visits were made to approximately 20 American institutions such as…