This paper outlines a comprehensive teaching laboratory course program that centers on titration analysis, a timeless and essential technique in analytical chemistry spanning various disciplines, such as environmental science, medicine, and industry. In these fields, titration analysis is paramount for determining the concentrations of substances…

Offers an alternative to kymography systems for undergraduates in physiology courses. Explains how an easy-to-build transducer can be used for recording diverse physiological phenomena. Reviews the theory of transducer function and explains the performance of the microcomputer kymography. (ML)

Explains two approaches to the automatic arrest of a potentiometric titration. (SA)

Microcomputers can perform two distinct functions in high school science classes, providing computer-assisted instruction and serving as tools in experimentation. This report describes a project based on three premises: that science is primarily the process of examining, modeling, and understanding nature; that the best way to learn science is by…

Explains the unique benefits of using simulation software in place of physical experiments testing in high school science. Supplies detailed examples of students' usage. A sidebar presents vendors of simulation packages. (AEF)

Proposes the V-Scope as a teaching aid to measure, analyze, and display three-dimensional multibody motion. Describes experiment setup considerations, how measurements are calculated, graphic representation capabilities, and modes of operation of this microcomputer-based system. (MDH)

Discusses the need to design distillation columns that are more energy efficient. Describes a "design and build" project completed by two college students aimed at demonstrating the principles of vapour compression distillation in a more energy efficient way. General design specifications are given, along with suggestions for teaching…

Describes the functioning of temperature transducers, or thermistors. Discusses the interface connections between thermistors and the game-port of several kinds of microcomputers. Demonstrates how to construct a thermistor probe and suggests several applications of the use of such probes in various scientific experiments. (TW)

Describes the use of a precalibrated stainless steel thermistor, interfaced with an Apple computer, in chemistry experiments. Discusses the advantages of "instant" temperature readings in experiments requiring that readings be taken at certain intervals. Outlines such an experiment which investigates freezing point depressions. (TW)

Discusses the use of two different computer applications to teaching college chemistry. Describes the "electric laboratory notebook" (ELN) courseware and its use in an instrumental analysis course. Provides an overview of the use of commercial spreadsheet programs in the chemistry laboratory. (TW)

Discusses various types of transducers and explains the use of a photoresistor in sensing light. Describes various hardware and software combinations which can be used with photoresistors in science laboratory experiments. Presents general applications of this instrument in light-meter, solarimeter, and colorimeter experiments. (TW)

Describes the use of the computer in the laboratory for data acquisition and analysis--specifically a method to measure the respiration rate in aquatic organisms. Demonstrates the use of computer-interfaced pH measurement in the introductory biology laboratory. (PR)

This ERIC Digest presents a brief description of some applications and findings of the microcomputer in science classrooms. It is suggested that microcomputer simulations are at least as effective as hands-on experiences for some cognitive outcomes and may in fact enhance these outcomes when the simulations are sequenced to follow hands-on…