This study investigated the relationship between the use of a three-dimensional Virtual Reality Learning Environment for Field Trip (3DVLE[subscript (ft)]) system and the achievement levels of senior high school earth science students. The 3DVLE[subscript (ft)] system was presented in two separate formats: Teacher Demonstrated Based and Student…

Investigates the comparative efficiency of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and traditional teaching methods on 10th grade students' learning of earth science in Taiwan. Involves a total of 151 students enrolled in four earth science classes and conducts a pretest/posttest control group experiment. (Contains 26 references.) (Author/YDS)

Explores how various teaching formats of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) influence student science learning outcomes in the secondary classroom. Compares teacher-directed CAI (TDCAI) and student-controlled CAI (SCCAI) in a compulsory earth science course in a secondary school in Taiwan. Indicates that TDCAI students had significantly higher…

Describes a computer simulation called "Supercontinent Aggregation and Dispersal" designed to model the interplay between the movement of the continents and the flow patterns of rock in the mantle. Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the program in relation to the effects of continents on the mantle. (CW)

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)

Presented is a description of a BASIC program to be used on an IBM microcomputer for calculating and plotting synthetic seismic-reflection traces for multilayered earth models. Discusses finding raypaths for given source-receiver offsets using the "shooting method" and calculating the corresponding travel times. (Author/CW)

Presented are the background theory, program procedures, output display, and applications for this program which is designed to calculate the slip vector and the stress to normal stress ratio on an arbitrarily oriented fault plane. Program availability is discussed. Twelve references are listed. (CW)

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)

Designed to investigate whether or not science teachers can positively influence student achievement in, and attitude toward, science, this study focused on a specific teaching strategy and utilization of a computer-based simulation. The software package used in the study was the simulation, Volcanoes, by Earthware Computer Services. The sample…

Reviewed are seven computer software packages for IBM and/or Apple Computers. Included are "Windows on Science: Volume 1--Physical Science"; "Science Probe--Physical Science"; "Wildlife Adventures--Grizzly Bears"; "Science Skills--Development Programs"; "The Clean Machine"; "Rock Doctor";…

Describes a five year research project in plant ecology by successive teams of students. The aim was to identify environmental factors which were determining the distribution of the vegetation on a pitheap. Includes descriptions of vegetation, soil properties, and computer assisted analysis of results. (Author/CW)

Describes a computer program written in Microsoft BASIC for use on personal computers to calculate travel times of refracted waves in layered structures with arbitrary dipping interfaces. Exercises for student use are given to illustrate some of the basic properties of reversed refraction travel time graphs. (TW)

Describes how the graphics capabilities of the Apple Macintosh computer can be used in geological teaching by customizing fill patterns with lithologic symbols. Presents two methods for doing this: creating a dummy document, or by changing the pattern resource resident in the operating system. Special symbols can also replace fonts. (TW)

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)