Describes a spreadsheet that can be used to show the changes in intensity of Fraunhofer diffraction patterns produced by a single and double slits arrangement. Discusses a practical demonstration of diffraction that allows data to be logged and entered into the spreadsheet. (DDR)

Evaluates first-year college students' perceptions of molecular modeling. Examines the effectiveness, integration with course content, interests, benefits, advantages, and disadvantages of molecular modeling. (Author/CCM)

Describes step-by-step techniques that can be used to develop educational simulations for undergraduate biology students. Also discussed are simulations that are currently being developed with the support of the National Science Foundation. (ZWH)

Explains the capture-recapture method which is used to estimate population size by researchers. Uses a computer simulation game to teach students the capture-recapture method of population size estimation. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes a project that explores the use of interactive computer software for teaching Einstein's special theory of relativity to secondary students. Also describes ways to use computers to help students visualize and experiment with otherwise inaccessible phenomena. (ZWH)

A mechanical analogy between the microscopic motion of a charged carrier in an ordinary resistor and the macroscopic motion of a ball falling along a slanted board covered with a lattice of nails is introduced. The Drude model is also introduced to include the case of inelastic collisions. Computer simulation of the motion is described. (KR)

Shows how some of the simple ideas in complexity can be investigated using a spreadsheet and a macro written in Visual Basic. Shows how the sandpile model of Bak, Chao, and Wiesenfeld can be simulated and animated. The model produces results that cannot easily be predicted from its properties. (Author/MM)

Describes Wavemaker, a simulation environment developed to graphically reveal the behavior of periodic systems using a series of increasingly sophisticated visual tools. Results indicate that the software is helpful in connecting real to simulated systems. (Author/CCM)

Provides simple techniques for demonstrating and recording the effect of the changing shapes of moving objects when viewed through a moving slot. Includes a puzzle. A computer shareware program (IBM compatible) that simulates the distortions is available from the author. (MVL)

Describes the use of the computer software "Graphs and Tracks" a tool for interactive computer instruction, in teaching one-dimensional kinematics concepts and connecting these concepts to their graphical representations. Provides ordering information. (JRH)

A computer program that simulates the random evolution of a metabolic pathway is given. The program shows that natural selection preserves favorable traits if they occur in a specific sequence. (KR)

A graphic, interactive software program that is suitable for teaching students about the measurement and ion dependence of cell membrane potentials is described. The hardware requirements, the aim of the program, how to use the program, other related programs, and its advantages over traditional methods are included. (KR)

Advocates using computer-simulated learning environments to allow students to develop their own problem-solving rules when it comes to collecting and evaluating scientific data. Describes the use of "Identibacter interactus" to simulate identification of an unknown microorganism. (WRM)

Discusses the advantages of basing computer simulations on analogues of nature rather than mathematical models. Explains the concept of heritability and describes how a computer simulation can help undergraduate students understand this concept. (ML)

Some commercially available software tools that have potential applications in the analytical chemistry curriculum are surveyed and evaluated. Tools for instruction, analysis and research, and courseware development are described. A list of the software packages, the compatible hardware, and the vendor's address is included. (KR)