Science educators and school administrators are reexamining the educational value of animal dissection in the nation's schools and are focusing on simulation as an instructional alternative. One implication of the debate is that simulations can lead to equivalent learning to hands-on dissection. The second implication is whether dissection is…

Describes a junior-level, one-year optics laboratory course for physics and engineering students. The course offers a range of experiments from conventional geometric optics to contemporary spatial filtering and fiber optics. Presents an example of an experiment with pictures. (Author/YP)

Provides a description of a computer program developed to supplement instruction in testing of antibiotics on clinical isolates of microorganisms. The program is a simulation and database for interpretation of experimental data designed to enhance laboratory learning and prepare future physicians to use computerized diagnostic instrumentation and…

Describes a simulation done by students in a Year 4 undergraduate physics laboratory course on pulse technology. The course objective was to provide students with experience in computation pulsed electrical circuits and in comparing the computation with experiments. Results showed that the microcomputer simulated experiments made for a more…

Describes the titration of a weak base with a strong acid and subsequent treatment of experimental data using commercially available software. Provides a BASIC program for determining first and second derivatives of data input. Lists 6 references. (YP)

Reviews the goals of laboratory education as identified by the National Science Teachers Association. Describes an Apple II system for the lab. Concentrates on hardware and connections. Stresses the advantages of student-microcomputer interaction in the laboratory setting. (CW)

Described is a project involving the introduction of microcomputers into the laboratory portion of a college general physics course for data collection and analysis. The results of an evaluation of this program are presented. (CW)

Explains the operation of five relative humidity sensors: psychrometer, hair hygrometer, resistance hygrometer, capacitance hygrometer, and resistance-capacitance hygrometer. Outlines the theory behind the electronic sensors and gives computer interfacing information. Lists sensor responses for calibration. (MVL)

This two-part article deals with the design and construction of a primitive Von Neumann computer using a logic design simulator. Describes the design of the computer memory and its register structure. Six layouts of the computer architecture are presented. Lists three references. (YP)

Discussed is the integration of microcomputers into the science laboratory curriculum. The approach provides an exposure to important aspects of computer technology while preserving concrete experiences provided by hands-on laboratories. (CW)

Describes a problem-solving activity integrating a laboratory investigation with a database activity using Appleworks. Presents typical displays of the databases. The objective of the laboratory was to determine the identity of a pure substance by measuring physical properties and searching the database. (Author/YP)

This paper describes how computers were employed by workshop participants, the commercial materials used, some of the experiments performed using computer interfaces, and the effect of computer interfacing on the science laboratory. Increased student interest through the study of open-ended experiments is discussed. (CW)

Reviewed are 11 studies reported in Dissertation Abstracts International for Social Sciences in 1989. Topics include problem solving, mathematics education, LOGO computer language, implementation of instructional computing, algebra, effects of differential grouping on learning science skills, simulations, and graphing as they relate to the use of…