This section of the journal includes several short notes on science activities and materials for secondary schools. Activities and materials are included that relate to biology, microbiology, microcomputers, chemistry, and physics. (RH)

Describes an apparatus that uses a microcomputer as a timing device in which the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) is measured. Diagrams of a circuit for timing measurements and a flow chart of a program that measures COR are provided. A list of COR for some common objects is also included. (CS)

Presents details of anodic stripping analysis (ASV) in college chemistry laboratory experiments. Provides block diagrams of the analyzer system, circuitry and power supplies of the automated stripping analyzer, and instructions for implementing microcomputer control of the ASV. (CS)

Offers suggestions for making good use of a single microcomputer in classes with large numbers of students. Strategies described include in-class demonstrations, laboratory station activities, group activities, enrichment activities, and data collection techniques. Diagrams of room arrangements to accomplish the strategies are included. (BC)

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.…

Reviews diverse types of computer programing languages and provides examples of representative programs from the most significant languages in use. Matches programing languages most suitable for various types of experimental applications for the amateur scientist. (JJK)

Provides rationale for and description of an acid rain game (designed for two players), a problem-solving model for elementary students. Although complete instructions are provided, including a copy of the game board, the game is also available for Apple II microcomputers. Information for the computer program is available from the author.…

Describes the Monthly Data Grapher, a microcomputer program which helps visualize data to discern patterns and which is suitable for use with elementary school children. Some of its uses are noted and the microcomputer program itself is included. (MBR)

Describes a sequence of five computer programs (listings for Apple II available from author) on tactic responses (oriented movement of a cell, cell group, or whole organism in reponse to stimuli). The simulation programs are useful in helping students examine mechanisms at work in real organisms. (JN)

Describes classroom use of a computer program originally published in Creative Computing magazine. "The Nuclear Power Plant" (runs on Apple II with 48K memory) simulates the operating of a nuclear generating station, requiring students to make decisions as they assume the task of managing the plant. (JN)

This note describes an inexpensive means for making high resolution analog voltage measurements using the parallel printer port of a standard IBM PC or compatible. (PR)

Microcomputers are commonly interfaced to external devices in scientific, industrial, and consumer settings for data acquisition and for control. The general problem under consideration is the task of taking measurements of some continuous phenomenon, transforming them into digital form, and storing the data in the microcomputer for later use.…

Discusses the use of the Bank Street Laboratory sound probe in activities focusing on various aspects of sound. Also examines what students were learning during the activities (such as students understanding what is meant by the pitch of a tone). (JN)

This curriculum guide presents 100 lessons for an advanced placement course on programming in Pascal. Some of the topics covered include arrays, sorting, strings, sets, records, computers in society, files, stacks, queues, linked lists, binary trees, searching, hashing, and chaining. Performance objectives, vocabulary, motivation, aim,…

Describes three experiments: (1) "Liquid Flow from Orifices"; (2) "Microcomputer-Controlled Investigation of Battery Discharge and Recovery"; and (3) "Measurement of the Speed of Sound." Drawings and diagrams accompany each. (RT)