Explores the application of the microcomputer as an adjunct to laboratory experiments within the science curriculum. Identifies needs and critical competitors that may affect implementation. Indicates problems along with suggestions for improving the effectiveness of this method. (RT)

Describes a laboratory designed to give students practical experiences with experimental phenomena discussed in lectures, focusing on laboratory organization and typical experiment. In addition to a list of experiments, three exercises are discussed: fluorescence/laser, ferromagnetic domains, and thermal population (which uses PET computer…

Describes a general purpose microcomputer-based system designed to support small-scale experimentation in the physical sciences in student laboratories. System requirements, teacher reactions, and educational implications are discussed; design criteria are established; and examples are given of the system's application to some simple experiments.…

Authors discuss how computer laboratory interfacing has revolutionized their nonscience-major introductory chemistry course. Discusses the advantages of doing away with the "cookbook" approach to laboratory experimentation. Presents an evaluation of the course approach including the finding that over 75 percent of the students felt that…

CHEMPAC, a computer-based chemistry course developed for high school students, bridges the gap between textbook and laboratory to provide greater quantitative accuracy to laboratory experiments. This course and experiments (involving pH) illustrating the CHEMPAC approach are provided. (JN)

This description of microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL) for science focuses on experiments with a motion detector by non-science majors at Tufts University. Exercises had been used previously with sixth grade middle school students, indicting the effectiveness of MBL for students with a wide range of abilities. (Author/LRW)

Explains the use of the microcomputer as a multipurpose analytical instrument which frees students from the mechanics of science and allows for more active learning involvement. Provides the typical data acquisition configuration, advantages, disadvantages, and a brief summary. (RT)

Effects of microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) exercises and level of cognitive development on high school biology students' ability to construct and interpret line graphs were investigated. Forty-six students enrolled in general biology classes at a rural high school volunteered to participate in the study. These students were administered…

Describes a first-year laboratory course designed to fulfill laboratory objectives of reinforcing lecture material, teaching experimental methodology, developing hands-on skills, and imparting a sense of error. The course's six segments examine: digital electronics with students building a photogate timer; error analysis; linear accelerated…