The field of nanotechnology has outgrown the discovery phase into the application and even commercial production phases. Consequently, the need for a workforce capable of supporting this growth is more than ever. However, because of the different challenges associated with nanotechnology education, specific courses are required to be developed and…

Three new developments are sparking renewed enthusiasm for microcomputers among science teachers: teacher-designed software, more powerful hardware, and increased access to teacher inservice and coursework for computer-assisted instruction. Central to tomorrow's science curriculum will be teachers' acting as mentors, facilitators, and…

Testing the pH of various liquids is one of the most popular activities in 5th- through 8th-grade classrooms. The author presents an extensive pH-testing lesson based on a 5E (engagement, exploration, explanation, extension, and evaluation) teaching model. The activity provides students with the opportunity to learn about pH and how it relates to…

A project called Image Processing for Teaching provides real-world experiences for students with deafness or hearing impairments, through computerized image exploration. Students use computer technology to judge the impact of building a dam, study gravity through the flight of a basketball, and understand scientific concepts that previously…

Using a specific course as an example, article presents a general approach to curriculum design, the computer techniques employed, the results obtained and the changes and adaptations which might be useful. (Author)

A computer-intensive undergraduate biology program at Trinity University (Texas) uses advanced technology to make learning more integrative and interesting. Microscope images can be transferred to the computer screen, stored, and studied later by student and teacher. Students are now using the technology to explore questions as well as images.…

Virtual reality is a newly emerging tool for scientific visualization that makes possible multisensory, three-dimensional modeling of scientific data. While the emphasis is on visualization, the other senses are added to enhance what the scientist can visualize. Researchers are working to extend the sensory range of what can be perceived in…

Explains how computer and game port interfacing reduces the time required for data collection and organization and also stimulates student interest in science laboratory exercises. Illustrates this approach through a description of a population-variation lab. Includes diagrams for the construction of the interface box. (ML)

Changes in college biology instruction in recent years reflect the changes in college instruction in general: information-dense textbooks, high-technology laboratory experiments, complex computer simulations, and easy exchange of data and ideas. Educators can now ask questions unthinkable by their classical forebears, and students can participate…

Presents perspectives on creating new technology-based supports for science learning. Reviews current philosophies concerning the interpretative nature of scientific inquiry and discusses the difficulties of students and teachers in science education. Describes a prototype software system for supporting scientific inquiry processes in students.…

Defines artificial intelligence (AI) in relation to intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) and science education. Provides a brief background of AI work, examples of expert systems, examples of ICAI work, and addresses problems facing AI workers that have implications for science education. Proposes a revised model of the Karplus/Renner…

Describes an accurate system for measuring speeds and frequencies with a microcomputer. Explains how the system can give a reasonable graphical representation of velocity and acceleration against time. Gives examples of graphs produced by the program and provides an address to obtain the software for their application. (CW)

The Comprehensive Unified Physics Learning Environment is a computer system using computer programs, interactive videodisks, and electronic sensors being developed at the University of Maryland. The method has been found more effective than traditional ones for teaching physics majors and is being used to modify the conventional course for…

Discusses the current roles of information technology (IT) in formal education and characterizes emerging trends in the field. Identifies specific uses of computers in physics education and lists representative programs. (ML)

Describes efforts of members of the biology and physics departments of Paisley College (Scotland) to develop a simple light-emitter-detector arrangement adapted as a colorimeter interfaced with a microcomputer for use by undergraduate students. Discusses the setup and provides a computer program in BASIC to run it. (CW)