Textbook companies are increasingly including larger numbers of animations as complementary resources for students and teachers. Are all animations useful as teaching tools? The answer is no. Animations can be useful for communicating dynamic events and processes but only when specific rules are followed. The authors review the important…

The number of experimentally derived structures of cellular components is rapidly expanding, and this phenomenon is accompanied by the development of a new semiotic system for teaching. The infographic approach is shifting from a schematic toward a more realistic representation of cellular components. By realistic we mean artist-prepared or…

Describes a rapid computer technique for plotting Eh-pH diagrams using a line printer. (MLH)

Describes interactive, geology programs (GEOPACK) for use in geostatistical applications, demonstrations and reviews, and geocartography. Programs, designed for beginning and advanced students, make use of the graphics capabilities of the Apple II microcomputer. (JN)

A technique is described for the generation of perspective views of three-dimensional models using computer graphics. The technique is applied to models of familiar thermodynamic phase diagrams and the results are presented for the ideal gas and van der Waals equations of state as well as the properties of liquid water and steam from the Steam…

This report describes the operation of a computer monitor called MYCROFT, a system which can debug elementary programs for drawing pictures. The basic skills which are fundamental to debugging skill (description, plan, linearity, insertions, global knowledge, and imperative semantics) are examined. These programs are written for LOGO turtles.…

Describes an interactive computer program designed to provide graphical representations of chemistry and engineering experimental data sets and results of data analyses. Extremely flexible, the program requires no reprograming when new models are used. Models are entered into the program as input lines. (JN)

Describes a presentation of basic quantum mechanics for nonscience majors that relies on a computer-generated graphic display to circumvent the usual mathematical difficulties. It allows a detailed treatment of free-particle motion in a wave picture. (MLH)

Describes the use of computer-assisted graphical displays in experiments to determine the order and activation energy for a chemical reaction. (MLH)

Reviews six computer software programs that emphasize drawing, science, and math skills: (1) "Brushstrokes" (Claris); (2) "Tempra Vision" (Mathematica); (3) "Draw to Learn" (Draw to Learn Associates); (4) "Coaster" (Disney Software); (5) "Rediscover Science" (Edunetics); and (6) "Rediscover Math" (Edunetics). (MDM)

Discusses use of two EAI semi-expanded TR-20 units to display solutions to differential equations for harmonic oscillators, quantum-mechanical particles, trajectories, radioactive decay series, and hysteresis curves. Suggests practical applications for both undergraduate physics laboratories and classroom demonstrations. (CC)

Describes a method to produce 35mm color slides directly from the display screen of a computer terminal using techniques and equipment available to most teachers and researchers. Discusses the hardware and software needed, procedures, some of the problems encountered, and the potential uses of this method. (CW)

Describes the use of NASA Spacelink Computer Information Service for Educators to obtain instructional materials and ideas for classroom demonstrations. Uses the free-fall concept of zero gravity as an example. Provides NASA Spacelink contact information. (JRH)

Investigated the overall effectiveness of and use of animation/graphics in "Introduction to Organic Chemistry" computer programs on student achievement and attitudes (n=approximately 400). Results indicate that although materials were effective animation sequences, they did not have an effect on student test scores. (JN)

Described is a computer program which accepts face data, performs all necessary symmetry operations, and produces a drawing of the resulting crystal. The program shortens computing time to make it suitable for online teaching use or for use in small computers. (Author/DC)