Discusses the use of a microcomputer/mini-floppy disk system by physics students to store and analyze experimental data and exchange messages with the lab instructor. Also discusses other uses, in particular those fostering critical thinking and hypothetico-deductive reasoning. (Author/SK)

Offers a critique on some of the papers on computers in science teaching that were presented at the 1985 National Association for Research in Science Teaching meeting. Implications for the conduct of research on computers in science learning are also suggested. (JN)

The substance of a commentary (SE 539 500) is a criticism of the over-generalizations by authors of computer-assisted instruction papers at the 1985 annual meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching. This reaction attempts to examine the validity of the criticisms made in the commentary. (JN)

Elementary school children need hands-on experiences to understand science concepts. Computers can be used to store and analyze data collected by students, but educators seem to agree that students need to manipulate data themselves to really comprehend their discoveries. (DF)

Presented are system concepts with examples of various vendor approaches for implementing laboratory local area networks. (CW)

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…

Seven possible applications of microcomputers in high school science programs are discussed. They include computers as calculators, computers as black-box number crunchers, computers for teaching computer literacy, computers as blackboards, computer-assisted instruction, computer simulations, and process control. (JN)

Describes a computer program which simulates the processes that determine the steady-state distribution of water and electrolytes between the cytoplasmic fluid in a typical cell and its extracellular environment. Program listing (in BASIC) or program on your own diskette can be obtained by contacting author. (JN)

Following a discussion of how computers are used to solve chemical problems, offers suggestions for avoiding common problems, reviews successful applications and languages (BASIC and FORTRAN), speculates on future trends, and discusses why chemists need to know about computers. (SK)

Describes the electrical and material characteristics of a wide variety of sensors and switches, as well as methods for connecting them to computers that are equipped with a joystick interface. Includes a BASIC computer program that facilitates automation of science experiments and storage of data gathered with simple transducers and sensors.…

Describes a single-concept program on alternating current series circuits that does not use the question and answer format usually associated with computer assisted instruction. The method serves a dual purpose, when used by the student as a final self-check of his/her understanding and by the teacher as a classroom demonstration. (Author/SK)

Describes the computer system and potentiometric titration as a simple experiment to illustrate several advantages and pitfalls in using the small computer in laboratory instruction. (Author/JN)

Reprinted from the "The Computing Teacher," this collection of nine articles presents information on computer software selection and evaluation. The articles include: (1) "The DISC Model for Software Evaluation and Support Material Design" (Shelley Yorke Rose and Carol Klenow); (2) "Selecting Computer Software--We Take It…

Provides abstracts of five papers presented at the Fourth Annual Microcomputers in Education Conference. Papers considered microcomputers in science laboratories, Apple II Plus/e computer-assisted instruction in chemistry, computer solutions for space mechanics concerns, computer applications to problem solving and hypothesis testing, and…

The expanded use of microcomputers, including word processing, to improve productivity of geological educators and students is discussed. Topic areas examined include: computer development and academic use; word processing with microcomputers; instructional uses and other applications; impacts on academia; and acquisition. (BC)