Discusses the use of computers in physics education as a tool in individual student research projects for simulating both simple and more complicated phenomena. Reviews IBM compatible software associated with computer-assisted instruction in physics education. (PR)

Reviews the following software: "Pizza to Go,""A World of Animals,""First Start Science,""MediClip,""Zurk's Learning Safari,""Paul Parkranger," and "Forces and Motion." (PR)

Announces the winners of an annual software contest for innovative software in physics education. Winning entries include an application to help students visualize the origin of energy bands in a solid, a package on the radioastronomy of pulsars, and a school-level science simulation program. Also includes student winners, honorable mentions,…

Computer software packages that are commercially available for physics instruction are compiled in this paper. Information for each program includes: the broad subject category (i.e., mechanics, waves and sound, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics and light, modern physics, mathematical models, or general reference/testing…

Evaluates 16 commercially available courseware packages covering topics for introductory physics. Discusses the price, sub-topics, program type, interaction, time, calculus required, graphics, and comments of each program. Recommends two packages in measurement and vectors, and one-dimensional motion respectively. (YP)

Reviews two computer software packages for use in physical science, physics, and chemistry classes. Includes "Physics of Model Rocketry" for Apple II, and "Black Box" for Apple II and IBM compatible computers. "Black Box" is designed to help students understand the concept of indirect evidence. (CW)

Designed for use by science teachers, this document provides selected lists of computer software collected by the Science and Mathematics Software (SAMS) lab at Florida State University. The commercially available software is compiled under the subject areas of biology, chemistry, and physics. Each list provides: (1) recommended grade level; (2)…

Reviewed are two computer software packages: "Super Solvers Midnight Rescue!" a problem-solving program for IBM PCs; and "Interactive Physics," a simulation program for the Macintosh computer. The functions of the package are discussed including strengths and weaknesses and teaching suggestions. (CW)

Reviews a computer courseware package for mechanics at the high school and introductory college level. Discusses one-dimensional collisions, two-dimensional collisions, and simple harmonic motion programs. Shows two typical monitor displays. Rates this program as good overall. (YP)

Provides reviews of four computer software packages designed for use in science education. Describes courseware dealing with a variety of tips for teaching physics concepts, chemical reactions in an aqueous solution, mitosis and meiosis, and photosynthesis. (TW)

Reviews the computer software, "Science Toolkit," made by Broderbund Software. The software covers experiments on light, temperature, timing, motion, speed, and frequency by using interfacing equipment. Provides an evaluation and four typical monitor displays. Concludes that it is an excellent software package. (YP)

Reviews four computer software packages including: "The Physical Science Series: Sound" which demonstrates making waves, speed of sound, doppler effect, and human hearing; "Andromeda" depicting celestial motions in any direction; "Biology Quiz: Humans" covering chemistry, cells, viruses, and human biology; and…

Reviews "Vernier Software: Precision Timer II" for high school through college mechanics. Introduces 14 different modes including pulse time, pendulum timer, bouncer timer, gate timer, collision timers, and stroke calibration. Provides two typical displays and ratings of the software. (YP)

Reviews four software packages: "Scientific Reasoning Series: Batteries and Bulbs," dialogue-type software for physics; "More Teasers from Tobbs: Fractions and Decimals"; "Personal Consultant Plus," an expert system software package; and "How the West Was One + Three X Four," problem-solving software using…

Compares the features of the sonic rangers available from HRM Software, MICROMEASUREMENTS, NAGAWTIS Software Research, and PASCO Scientific for demonstrations and experiments in mechanics. Presents the advantages of the sonic rangers and the typical graphics displayed by each software package. (YP)