Describes physics experiments (including speed, acceleration, and acceleration due to gravity) in which students write programs to obtain and manipulate experimental data using the Atari microcomputer game port. The approach emphasizes the essential physics of the experiments while affording students useful experience of automatic data collection.…

Describes the creation of the computer program "BOUNCE," designed to simulate a weighted piston coming into equilibrium with a cloud of bouncing balls. The model follows the ideal gas law. Utilizes the critical event technique to create the model. Discusses another program, "BOOM," which simulates a chain reaction. (CW)

Points out two areas of difficulty in teaching Newtonian dynamics. Describes several alternatives to physics learning using new technology. Details the use of the LOGO computer language in teaching simple Newtonian environments. Suggests the potential for creating new learning experiences in dynamics with new technology. (CW)

Reviews the use of computers in various aspects of physics teaching. Introduces some basic hardware and software concepts and jargon. Illustrates these ideas using four vastly different microcomputers, with prices, to help in choosing the right educational computer system. (GA)

Presents a ray-tracing procedure based on some ideas of Herzberger and the matrix approach to geometrical optics. This method, which can be implemented on a programmable pocket calculator, applies to any conic surface, including paraboloids, spheres, and planes. (Author/GA)

Describes techniques in LOGO, which are applicable to A-level and above. The techniques use a dynamic modeling approach, which considers system behavior in terms of state transitions over successive short intervals. Advantages and disadvantages of using LOGO are noted. (JN)

Describes 17 situations in physics which require students to write computer programs to solve. All the projects are general in nature and require students to have a thorough conceptual understanding of the content to apply the algorithm needed to solve the specific type of problem illustrated. (JN)

Discusses what is meant by a linear program and states and illustrates two of the theorems upon which the methods of linear programing rest. This description is intended as an introduction to linear programing of physics students. (HM)

Suggests approaches to teaching computer programing and applications to physics instruction. Indicates that the necessity of breaking a problem down into a programable entity ensures that the student will learn programing, logical sequential thinking, as well as physics content. (JN)

Suggests that students can learn the physics of a musical note by learning how to synthesize sounds on a computer. Discusses ADSR (attack, decay, sustain, and release of a note) and includes a program (with listing) which students can use to examine ADSR on a Commodore 64 microcomputer. (JN)

Describes how certain concepts basic to electron optics may be introduced to undergraduate physics students by calculating trajectories of charged particles through electrostatic fields which can be evaluated on minicomputers with a minimum of programing effort. (Author/SA)

This paper describes Macintosh features which can be used in writing interactive programs. A program written in Microsoft BASIC (version 2.0 interpreter) is described which is used to produce plots of electric field produced by two-dimensional arrangements of point charges. It demonstrates the use of pull-down menus, windows on the screen, the…