Encouraging nonprofessionals to participate in ecological research through citizen science programs is a recent innovation and an effective strategy for gathering ecological information across broad geographical areas. In this paper, we demonstrate how reporting field-based observations through eBird, a citizen-based birding and data-recording…

This article describes a research study in which a biologist and his research on Antarctic seabirds became part of an integrated science course for prospective elementary teachers. Students used the scientist's database on seabird chick growth rates for an experimental design investigation while the "regular" classes had a single science…

Recommends using online molecular databases as teaching tools to illustrate evolutionary questions and concepts while introducing students to public molecular databases. Provides activities in which students make molecular comparisons between species. (YDS)

Describes a chemistry course titled "Writing for Chemists", a junior-level course required of all chemistry and biochemistry majors at California State University (CSU) that covers all of the sections for writing both primary and secondary papers in the chemical sciences as well as the process of literature searching in both computer databases and…

This report describes a data management process that provides users with a systematic approach to document identification, and to information storage and retrieval using the AppleWorks database subprogram and a simple organizational scheme. The functions of this scheme are described and include: (1) taking the user from general to specific…

A study of 125 medical students at the University of North Carolina and 113 at the University of Iowa compared the effectiveness of traditional instruction in bacteriology with a method providing access to a computer database and computer exercises to support learning. Results suggest the computer intervention positively affected student learning.…

The field of bioinformatics is developing faster than most biochemistry textbooks can adapt. Supplementing the undergraduate biochemistry curriculum with data-mining exercises is an ideal way to expose the students to the common databases and tools that take advantage of this vast repository of biochemical information. An integrated collection of…

Described are three levels of information management with databases. Levels and methods of integration, computer supply and learning approach, dynamic resources, and self-tailored learning approaches are discussed. Examples of database records are provided. (CW)

Describes a spreadsheet system that enables students, teachers, and curriculum developers to use Microsoft EXCEL's database and graphics capabilities in the science classroom. System design goals are explained, examples of system applications are given, and possible future developments are discussed. (15 references) (LRW)

Describes a computer applications course developed for undergraduate biology students (primarily sophomores) to teach word processing, database and spreadsheet programs, graphing programs, telecommunications, and file transfer procedures. AppleWorks software is discussed, course content is explained, and the microcomputer laboratory is described.…

Presented are two applications of computer technology to chemistry instruction: the use of a spreadsheet program to analyze acid-base titration curves and the use of database software to catalog stockroom inventories. (CW)

A study used computer analysis to examine distribution of basic science content in the 53 cases in the problem-based medical curriculum of Rush Medical College (Illinois) and compared it to application of that content by students and faculty. The method of analysis is recommended for reviewing curricula for omissions and redundancy. (Author/MSE)

Describes student involvement in conducting literature searches using the online literature retrieval methods of the Lockheed DIALOG system as a part of a junior-level Introduction to Independent Study Course. Outlines the teaching methods, presenting a set of practice questions with answers and discussing the progressive building of good study…

Discusses the use of computers in the classroom, suggests visions of an educational future, and describes a project developed at the University of Maryland to examine the effects of computers on the college-level physics curriculum. Topics discussed include microcomputer-based laboratories, increased modeling power, and access to large databases.…

Ways in which computers can contribute to science instruction are described. Science software is classified according to the primary assistance provided the teacher-instruction, information, or measurement and analysis. Drill and practice, simulations, tutorials, interactive videodisc, word processors, spreadsheets, databases, microcomputer-based…