This article describes the development and deployment of Physics Toolbox Play, a gamified component of the "Android Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite" app, that can introduce young children through adults to fundamental physics principles. The app was used successfully in a variety of contexts, including STEM fairs with primary and secondary…

Social media are a highly visible factor in the daily lives of our students. Why should teachers not take advantage of this and develop teaching and learning materials that use the designs found in such media to contextualise science learning? This article suggests some ideas for creating lab instructions using social media design as an innovative…

Discusses uses of microcomputers as: a tutor (drill and practice, course review, and others); a tool (drawing, statistical analyses, word processing, and others); and a tutee. Also addresses major problems and issues in science education, noting how microcomputers may help in resolving the problems. Problems and issues include teaching science in…

Discusses computer uses in science classrooms, cautioning teachers not to put a "screen" between students and the natural world. Teaching about computers (rather than teaching with computers), teaching students to appreciate computers as tools, and computer strengths are among the topics considered. (JN)

Creative uses of Apple II microcomputers in classrooms are described. Projects involved topics ranging across the curriculum, with many involving writing and most using AppleWorks software. (MNS)

Outlines and discusses skills science teachers need to use computing in their teaching effectively. Also discusses how pre- and in-service science teachers can acquire such skills, considering the development of pre-/in-service materials, delivery of training, and which research, development, and evaluation efforts should guide decisions about…

Discusses current uses of microcomputers in schools. Also provides a rationale for educational computing based on economics, computer literacy, and equality of opportunity needs. Needs of educators, fears of educational computing, computer literacy in science education, and training science teachers to use computers are also discussed. (JN)

For the thirty-sixth year, the Research and Theory Division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is sponsoring the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the annual AECT Convention in Anaheim, California. The Proceedings of AECT's Convention are published in two…

Presents a brief overview of the school organization in Sweden and summarizes the results of large-scale computer experiments conducted during the last five years. Focuses on mathematics. (DC)

Data from national and local studies have shown declines: (1) in the quality and quantity of mathematics and science instruction over the past 20 years; (2) in student enrollment in these subjects; (3) in student scores on standardized mathematics and science tests; and (4) in course offerings and enrollment in such foreign languages as German.…

Reviewed is computer software on: (1) classification of living things, a tutorial program for grades 5-10; and (2) polynomial practice using tiles, a drill-and-practice program for algebra students. (MNS)

Discusses various issues in science curriculum/instruction and proposes that the National Science Teachers Association assume the responsibility for establishing quality science instruction. Topics/Issues include, among others, competencies science teachers will need in the future, computer oriented programs, and interdisciplinary science…

This paper discusses computer based virtual field trips that use technologies commonly found in public schools in the United States. The discussion focuses on the advantages of both using and creating these field trips for an instructional situation. A virtual field trip to Cumberland Island National Seashore, St. Marys, Georgia is used as a point…

This paper discusses skills science teachers need to effectively use computing in their teaching and describes how pre- and in-service science teachers can acquire computing skills. These skills can be grouped under three headings: (1) computer as a tutor for students (such as using drill and tutorial programs to bolster achievement); (2) computer…

Briefly outlines how computers can be useful in teaching nine different subjects and in managing the central office. (JM)