Continental margins are an important part of the ocean floor. They separate the land above sea level from the deep ocean basins below and occupy about 11% of Earth's surface. They are also economically important, as they harbor both mineral resources and some of the most valuable fisheries in the world. In this article students investigate North…

As course management systems (CMS) gain popularity in facilitating teaching. A forum is a key component to facilitate the interactions among students and teachers. Content analysis is the most popular way to study a discussion forum. But content analysis is a human labor intensity process; for example, the coding process relies heavily on manual…

"Io," one of four satellites of Jupiter, orbits its mother planet in roughly the same plane as Earth orbits the sun. Guidelines for collecting data about Io using a reflecting telescope, 35mm camera, and adapter are presented. A computer program used in studying Io's maximum distance from Jupiter is available. (DH)

Lists 12 science-oriented computer programs (indicating program name, source, RAM needed, compatible computers, and current cost). Also considers the use of these programs in educational and home settings. (JN)

Research has shown that technology-enhanced visualizations can improve inquiry learning in science when they are designed to support knowledge integration. Visualizations play an especially important role in supporting science learning at elementary and middle school levels because they can make unseen and complex processes visible. We identify 4…

Surveyed currently available software in the physical sciences, biological sciences, and earth/space sciences. Also examined interdisciplnary and remedial programs. One finding is that the emphasis in science education software is for high school and college students with little software for junior high school teachers or students. (JN)

The use of computers in classrooms to support and extend instruction is a topic which is being discussed in major educational forums across the United States. Until a few years ago, computer use in schools was the exclusive domain of the mathematics department. Other content areas have now found ways to use computers to enhance their instruction.…

Reviews a software planetarium package called "Sky Travel." Includes two audiovisuals: "Conquest of Space" and "Windows on Science: Earth Science"; and four books: "Small Energy Sources: Choices that Work,""Stonehenge Complete,""Uneasy Careers and Intimate Lives: Women in Science…

A bibliography of marine-oriented commercial and public domain courseware has been maintained by the Computer Education Committee of the Mid-Atlantic Marine Education Association for several years. This compilation is provided to interested persons by an established network with the following purposes: (1) to review and critique commercial and…

Discusses a weather prediction activity connecting local weather network by computer modem. Describes software for telecommunications, data gathering, preparation work, and instructional procedures. (YP)

Provides reviews of courseware entitled: "Mystery Matter," which is a series that supplements the basic inquiry process; "Jumping Math Flash," which is an arcade-game program with arithmetic problems; and "Quest for Files: Science Rocks and Minerals The Upper Crust," which is a database program for earth science.…

Describes a "tracing the sun" worksheet combining models with computer programs and classroom discussion. Provides the worksheet including the nine steps of the activity and several discussion questions. (YP)

Presents reviews by classroom teachers of software for teaching science. Includes material on the work of geologists, genetics, earth science, classification of living things, astronomy, endangered species, skeleton, drugs, and heartbeat. Provides information on availability and equipment needed. (RT)

Described is an activity in which students are asked to design a fish that would survive in a natural system. A project to computerize the activity is discussed. The development of this artificial intelligence software is detailed. (CW)

Discusses two weather computer programs that allow users to see current weather maps and readings across the United States by modem hookup. Describes the features of "Weather Brief" and "Accu-Weather Forecaster" and includes the approximate daily phone cost of each. (MVL)