This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. Many innovations with computer software begin with analysis of how humans do a task. This article takes a look at how humans recognize spoken words and explains the origins of speech-recognition software.

Discusses trends in science software for home and educational use. Examples of software on various science topics are provided, including packages which revolve around such television shows as "Nova" and "Voyage of the Mimi" and those produced by the Human Engineering Software. (JN)

Provides a form for evaluating software and software design. The form, which emphasizes instructional qualities, considers science processes, hardware requirements, program mechanics, student reaction, and other areas. Guidelines for using the form are included. (DH)

Describes computer software for use with various age groups. Topics include activities involving temperature, simulations, earth science, the circulatory system, human body, reading in science, and ecology. Provides information on equipment needed, availability, package contents, and price. Comments of reviews are presented by classroom teachers.…

Some scientists and science educators believe that the most effective strategy for raising science literacy among future workers and voters is to focus on the youngest members of the public. The reviews in this publication were undertaken to increase public understanding and appreciation of the importance and promise of the methods of science in…

Presents comments by classroom teachers on courseware for teaching science. Materials include forests, heart anatomy and physiology, balancing a series of numbers on a lever, the scientific method, ecology, and fire prevention. Availability, suggested grade level, and costs are provided. (RT)

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…

Provides reviews of courseware entitled: "Mystery Matter," which is a series that supplements the basic inquiry process; "Jumping Math Flash," which is an arcade-game program with arithmetic problems; and "Quest for Files: Science Rocks and Minerals The Upper Crust," which is a database program for earth science.…

Describes procedures for choosing process skill materials for evaluation. Steps include selecting software titles, reading descriptions, and skimming for key phrases associated with process skills, examining courseware, considering cost versus time, and the selecting process. Sample forms for the evaluation process are included. (RT)

Reviews the computer software, "Science Toolkit," made by Broderbund Software. The software covers experiments on light, temperature, timing, motion, speed, and frequency by using interfacing equipment. Provides an evaluation and four typical monitor displays. Concludes that it is an excellent software package. (YP)

Reviews five Apple II computer programs: (1) The Research Companion: Supreme Court Decisions, grades 9-12; (2) Rebus Writer--vocabulary, problem solving, wordplay, grades 3-12; (3) Playing with Science: Temperature--MBL for grades K-7; (4) Exploring Science: Temperature--MBL for grades 6-12; and (5) ShowOff--graphics, desktop presentations for…

Examines four software packages: (1) "Wordbench"--writing and word processing, grades 9-12 (IBM and Apple); (2) "Muppet Slate"--language arts, grades K-2 (Apple); (3) "Accu-Weather Forecaster"--weather analysis and forecasting, grades 3-12 (modem with IBM or Mac); and (4) "The Ripple That Changed American…

Presents reviews of six computer software programs for teaching science. Provides the publisher, grade level, cost, and descriptions of software, including: (1) "Recycling Logic"; (2) "Introduction to Biochemistry"; (3) "Food for Thought"; (4) "Watts in a Home"; (5) "Geology in Action"; and (6)…