Discussed is the nature of and the importance of effective documentation in computer programing. (TG)

In the Project Solo classification scheme for interactive computing Category IV encompasses those activities where the student takes the role of lesson designer. Similar programs written by a teacher or fellow student are frequently the starting point for such a would-be author. The transition from the role of student to that of student-author is…

A facetious approach to programing a minicomputer is presented. (MK)

Several student-authored computer programs are presented which do advanced plot routines. They are remarkable in that they are able to plot a function expressed in polar coordinates on a teletype. Some plot routines developed by the Project Solo staff are also presented. They are designed to be used with a Hewlett Packard 7200 A plotter connected…

Describes various instructional materials designed to teach computer programing. These materials (primarily for the Apple II microcomputer) include books, teaching packages, videotapes, audiocassette tapes, and computer media (including programs loaded from cassettes and disks). Information on classroom packages, writing software, and selecting an…

Presents test cases to adequately test the "triangle program" described in part 1 (appearing in volume 42 of this journal). Discusses test case design and design techniques, differentiating between testing (showing that errors present) and debugging (finding where/what errors are and correcting them). Suggests testing be incorporated into…

Some of the important concepts in recursive programing are detailed, along with how they can be used. Examples are provided to show how to program recursively in BASIC. (MP)

This handbook is for the student with little or no previous experience with computer utilization for data processing. Sample problems to be run on the computer are included. It gives: (1) an overview of the sequence of steps from obtaining data to receiving computer output, (2) a guide to common computer packages, (3) an illustration of the use of…

A module designed to teach ninth grade students how to write simple machine language programs is offered in this newsletter of the University of Pittsburgh's Project Solo. The first few pages of the newsletter present a rationale for having ninth grade students learn programming, and some programs which were written by such students are presented.…

Revised material from earlier Project Solo newsletters is presented here. The revised material updates programs to explain the law of sines and cosines and to apply the idea of rectangular coordinates approach to aircraft navigation systems such as VORTAC. A brief discussion of the value of off-line as opposed to on-line activity is also…

The Gomoku game playing system was designed to provide a challenge to students taking an introductory course in programing with BASIC--to write a program in BASIC which will make a move in a Japanese game called Gomoku. This system should provide experiences for the student in designing and debugging a program which would be superior to assigned…

A computer course for parents, developing/using a histogram program, and writing form letters using Atari PILOT (Program listing included) are suggested. Includes an article ("Data Basing") by Al Kramer and Fritzi Lareau suggesting that students be provided with activities to create, use, maintain computerized databases. (JN)

A few basic principles that highlight the design of screen displays are detailed. It is noted that none of the principles will help programing efforts, but efforts at improvement in the direction described is expected to result in a more professionally designed work that users appreciate. (MP)

A mathematical technique for solving for the interest rate of a given annuity is explained. The technique is applied to a BASIC program that finds interest rate given the future value, number of payments, and the value of the payment. (MP)

An experimental 9th grade computer science syllabus is proposed. The syllabus would include the technical information needed for controlling and programing the computer in a number of modes and would preview some of the areas covered in the high school curriculum. A sample module of a topic not normally taught in high school--distance and…