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)

Activities designed around packaged items such as toothpicks are used to teach students to identify variables, gather and analyze data, use statistics, and draw conclusions based on evidence. A computer database used to keep track of data is described. Curriculum extensions in writing, math, and art are included. (KR)

Explains how databases can be used to enrich and complement the science curriculum. Provides examples of applications of databases to science activities and experiments. (ML)

Presents activities for a springtime Space Day that can teach students about astronauts, gravity, and motion. Activities include creating a paper bag spacecraft to study liftoff and having students simulate gravity's effects by walking in various manners and recording pulse rates. A list of resources is included. (SM)

Describes CD-ROM-based program called Joint Education Initiative that was started by U.S. Geological Survey. The culmination of the collaborative effort includes three compact discs and a teacher activity book. The discs contain several databases, geophysical data that can be superimposed over satellite images of North America, images from the…

Investigates how the design, creation, and revision of animated models that tell a science story can assist young bilingual children in science learning. Findings show that the animated software provided students with access to a world that is normally unavailable in real time; they were also able to manipulate science concepts and connect…

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";…

Technology can support hands-on science as elementary students use computers to formulate field guides to nature surrounding their school. Students examine other field guides; open databases for recording information; collect, draw, and identify plants, insects, and animals; enter data into the database; then generate a computerized field guide.…

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…

Thirteen activities are presented that focus on a common phenomenon of a child's world: energy. These activities relate energy, how it occurs, how it is used, and how to use it safely. Each activity includes the purpose, introduction, background, procedure, materials, estimated time for the activity, typical results, safety notes, and more ideas.…

This guide explains ways in which the computer can be used in the science classroom and laboratory. Further, it suggests many resources that can be tapped to help teachers initiate and improve their own programs. Chapters include: (1) "The Computer as a Tool for Student Inquiry"; (2) "The Computer as a Tool for Teachers"; (3)…

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)

Reviews seven instructional software packages covering a variety of topics. Includes: "Science Square-Off"; "The Desert"; "Science Courseware: Physical Science"; "Odell Lake"; "Safety First"; "An Experience in Artificial Intelligence"; and "Master Mapper." (TW)

Describes a collaborative effort involving art, earth science, and computer lessons in teaching the theory and practice of contour mapping. Discusses the approaches and activities contained in the unit for seventh-grade students. Includes the computer program which was written for use with Terrapin LOGO on an Apple II. (ML)

Describes the use of a microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) in teaching the concepts of heat and temperature to eighth grade students. Discusses the advantages of being able to instantly display the results of their experimentation with the use of temperature and light probes, and heat pulsors. (TW)