Recommendations regarding literacy and the responsibilities of science educators are reviewed. The opportunity for pioneering, base-line research studies on the use of microcomputers in the classroom is viewed to exist. Significant contributions science education can make to computer literacy are noted. (MP)

Describes an easily constructed, small laboratory computer that can be programed in BASIC. The computer is easy to use with analog to digital and digital to analog converters so that it can serve as a control or data logging computer. (Author/JN)

Describes an interdisciplinary microcomputer and microelectronics program offered jointly by the Physics and Computer Science Departments of East Texas State University. The program operates on both the graduate and undergraduate level. Content as well as structure of the program are discussed. (Author/DS)

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)

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)

The Lawrence Hall, a science museum and teaching center in Berkeley, California, is providing thousands of students and teachers with hands-on experience with personal computers. This article describes how Lawrence Hall promotes computer awareness and provides science instruction through microcomputer-controlled interactive museum exhibits.…

Describes the use of a microcomputer in studying a model experiment (Brownian particles colliding with thermal particles). A flow chart and program for the experiment are provided. Suggests that this experiment may foster a deepened understanding through mutual dialog between the student and computer. (SK)

Promotes the use of computer modelling in physics instruction. Describes Dynamic Modelling System (DMS) and the procedures employed in applying it to problem solving in physics. Provides fundamental information on BASIC language and techniques for using DMS. (ML)

Surveys the present status of science instructional software in the United States. Describes project efforts at the University of Pittsburgh on the development of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS). Explains the major components and provides microworld examples of ITS. Includes the software evaluation instrument and summarizes the evaluation…

Presents a summary of responses to a brief survey of physiology chairpersons (N=117) on use of computer-based education (CBE) materials in physiology and an overview of discussions that occurred at a workshop focusing on this topic. Indicates that the popular use of materials is for simulations of physiological systems. (JN)

Discusses single-board microcomputers which are designed primarily for data acquisition and control. Directed toward individuals with little or no hands-on experience with microcomputers, this article gives references, among others, for reading about and purchasing microcomputers. (SK)

Details the features of BASIC used in mathematics programming and provides the information needed to translate between the Apple II and IBM PC computers. Discusses inputing a user-defined function, setting scroll windows, displaying subscripts and exponents, variable names, mathematical characters and special symbols. (TW)

As part of an investigation of the effectiveness of a microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) activity in developing students' graphing skills, this study was specifically designed to examine the differences between females and males in both performance on graphing tasks and on their attitudes to graphs and graph-based activities. Results based on a…

Discusses the current roles of information technology (IT) in formal education and characterizes emerging trends in the field. Identifies specific uses of computers in physics education and lists representative programs. (ML)

Describes a system which emulates a face-to-face classroom where groups of students can participate online using standard low cost personal computer hardware at the student's location. Provides an overview, rationale, assumptions, design problems, and limitations of the program. Discusses alternative uses and evaluation of the technique. (MVL)