Previous research into enhancing children's educational dialogues during group work has recognised the role of teachers in modelling dialogue and guiding their students' engagement in reasoning. Whole-class plenaries also offer teachers such opportunities but the technological support of dialogue in plenaries remains relatively unexplored. The…

A consolidated, updated edition of the microcomputer software South Carolina Basic Skills Assessment Program (BSAP) correlation books that have been published by the Office of Instructional Technology since May 1984, this book serves as a reference to available software programs which address BSAP objectives for grades 1-8 in all three BSAP…

Offers an approach for teaching a unit on classification that combines various software programs with traditional science teaching methods. Provides procedural directives for the activities and explains the objectives of each exercise. (ML)

Presents a list of published (or soon to be published) computer assisted instructional programs for biology. The programs vary considerably in terms of intended age/ability level, complexity and depth, and in content. No attempt is made to judge the quality of items in the list. (JN)

Discussion of new technological resources available for science instruction focuses on the use of the HyperCard software for the Macintosh to design customized materials. Topics addressed include general features of HyperCard, designing HyperCard stacks, graphics, and designing buttons (i.e., links for moving through the stacks). Several sample…

Describes a project using software in kindergarten instruction. Seven pieces of software used in a unit on endangered species that included social studies, math, art, language arts, and music emphases are briefly described. Ideas for managing a one-computer classroom and general recommendations drawn from the study are given. (KRN)

Describes a study of second graders that was conducted to investigate the use of microcomputer-based software to teach line graph production and interpretation. Abstract concepts between time and distance relationships are discussed, and transfer of skills to other types of graphs on paper are examined. (LRW)

Descriptions of 13 software programs suitable for use with kindergarten students include curriculum area, title, producer, hardware requirements, program description, teaching objective, and competencies. Prerequisites and introductory, developmental, follow-up, and evaluation activities are also provided for seven instructional sequences designed…

The purpose of this project is to help elementary school teachers get started using the computer to aid the teaching and learning of many scientific concepts in a meaningful way. The authors have developed their own software package, "Elementary Science Activities," and have selected several commercially available software packages that…

Discussion of the use of multimedia in educational computer applications focuses on a project in which seven teams of elementary school students were involved in designing and implementing interactive multimedia resources in science for younger children. Results indicated improvement in science understanding and programming skills. (Author/LRW)

Designed for use by science teachers, this document provides selected lists of computer software collected by the Science and Mathematics Software (SAMS) lab at Florida State University. The commercially available software is compiled under the subject areas of biology, chemistry, and physics. Each list provides: (1) recommended grade level; (2)…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an electronic geoboard, a computer-software program, could be used to assess youngsters' ability to discover facts and relationships in an unlabled and ambiguous situation. Subjects--108 children, ages 6 to 12--were enrolled in grades 1 to 6 in Norwood, New York. The electronic geoboard served as…

Gives a review of four software packages including "Science Toolkit: Module 3--Body Lab" for measuring heart rate, lung capacity, and response time; "Project Zoo: Adventures with Charts and Graphs" for developing process skills; "The Body Electric" for explaining electrical activity in the body; and "M-ss-ng…

Lists criteria for selecting quality computer software. Describes tutorial, drill and practice, test scoring, and simulations as innovative uses of microcomputers. Establishes a need for the use of computers and courseware as learning opportunities. Defines significant vocabulary terms and concepts to promote literacy. (RT)

Presents a set of teaching activities which deal with the pet overpopulation problem while improving students' persuasive writing skills. Includes activities that focus on how people can solve problems by working together. The activities range from songs to a computer simulation. (TW)