Abstraction is a key concept in CS, one of the most fundamental ideas underlying CS and its practice. However, teaching this soft concept to novices is a very difficult task, as discussed by many CSE experts. This paper discusses this issue, and suggests a general framework for teaching abstraction in CS to novices, a framework that would fit into…

Appropriate educational technologies have the potential to make physics' concepts more accessible through visualization, modeling and multiple representations. Students are engaged in more powerful scientific activities and they are able to perform investigations that would not be possible without the use of technology. This paper presents…

In this paper we report on the sustained research and development work at the AMSTEL Institute of the University of Amsterdam to improve mathematics and science education at primary and secondary school level, which has lead amongst other things to the development of the integrated computer working environment Coach 6. This environment consists of…

Computer simulations can facilitate the building of models of natural phenomena in research, such as in the molecular life sciences. In order to introduce molecular life science students to the use of computer simulations for model building, a digital case was developed in which students build a model of a pattern formation process in…

Describes a study conducted in undergraduate science classes in Singapore using computer modeling and simulation. Reports that the use of computer models and simulations proved to be valuable in explaining many aspects of science. Students reported that three-dimensional images helped them in their understanding. Contains 22 references.…

Discusses the nature of misconceptions in science and the role of teachers and students in correcting these misconceptions. Also describes a simulation program that centers on some basic topics in Newtonian mechanics, outlining its structure and examining some of the premises that served as guidelines in its design. (JN)

Examines various types of software useful in teaching about nuclear energy. Includes a list of 11 software resources (including program name, source and cost, system requirements, and brief comments about the program). (JN)

Discusses the nature and effectiveness of computer simulations. Also discusses the development of simulations, providing an example of a simulation which deals with population growth. A sample lesson plan related to the simulation is included. (JN)

Presents a lesson plan format which enables teachers to incorporate simulations into their classroom activities. Particular attention is given to planning for the interactions students should have while engaged with the simulation. Includes cognitive and affective results obtained from trials of the format with elementary/middle school students…

The purpose of this study was to examine how 3-dimensional (3-D) models of the Solar System supported student development of conceptual understandings of various astronomical phenomena that required a change in frame of reference. In the course described in this study, students worked in teams to design and construct 3-D virtual reality computer…

Reports on a process which allows active study of mutating the characteristics of a population of organisms. States that the program, written in C, should run on a MS/DOS system with 640K; CGA is required for graphics output. Describes implementation procedures and two examples using the program. (RT)

Describes a computer program, "Activation Energy," which is designed for use in physical chemistry classes and can be modified for kinetic experiments. Provides suggestions for instruction, sample program listings, and information on the availability of the program package. (ML)

Reports on the development and application of a series of computer programs which simulate the outcomes of students' perceptions regarding forces acting on objects at rest or in motion. This dissonance-based strategy for achieving conceptual change uses an arrow-based vector language to enable students to express their conceptual understanding.…

Described are several spreadsheet templates which use the functions of iteration and logical look-up which allow students to calculate and graph quantum mechanical functions and to simulate rotational and vibrational energy level and spectra. The templates are listed in the appendix. (KR)

Presented are abstracts of 10 papers presented at the 1984 National Educational Computing Conference. Paper topics deal with science teaching using microcomputers, exploring mathematical concepts with LOGO, a chemistry problem-solving program, interactive computer graphics in mathematics, an educational game to teach science/mathematics, learning…