Teaching materials used in distance education are generally obtained from the internet as ready-made by teachers. Materials such as simulation, animation and presentation are usually limited to the frame drawn by the creator and do not allow changes outside this limit. In addition, many of these types of materials do not have a feedback mechanism.…

Equipped with simple sensors and software, a microcomputer can become a microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL). Discusses the value of MBL's and provides three programs which preview the new MBL kits available for science classes. A list of commercially available MBL's (with product names, current prices, and other information) is also included. (JN)

Presents 23 experiments, activities, field projects and computer programs in the biological and physical sciences. Instructional procedures, experimental designs, materials, and background information are suggested. Topics include fluid mechanics, electricity, crystals, arthropods, limpets, acid neutralization, and software evaluation. (ML)

Microcomputer-based laboratories (MBLs) refer to a laboratory where a microcomputer gathers and displays data directly from the environment. Program listings for a response timer (using game paddles) to illustrate the nature of MBLs are presented. (JN)

Presents 26 activities, experiments, demonstrations, games, and computer programs for biology, chemistry, and physics. Background information, laboratory procedures, equipment lists, and instructional strategies are given. Topics include eye measurements, nutrition, soil test tube rack, population dynamics, angular momentum, transition metals,…

A 16K Sinclair ZX81 microcomputer equipped with an analog to digital board and a Sinclair printer was used to capture data continuously from a total of eight temperature or light sensors. Describes the construction of the peripherals, explains how to connect them together, and provides a program to run the ZX81. (Author/JN)

Evaluates the Measurement Module (TEL-Atomic, Incorporated), a real time data capture and display instrument which (according to the manufacturer) was designed primarily for use in demonstrations. Includes comments on the module's specifications and features, software, documentation, and student laboratory use. The module is compatible with Apple…

The purposes of this study were to determine how experienced high school physics teachers were in using computers, how computers were being used for high school physics instruction, what the teachers perceived the use of computers in their physics classes should be, and what the enabling and constraining factors were in developing the use of…

Describes several ways to build data collection devices for microcomputers. The interface devices connect with either the computer's game port or an analog-to-digital converter. Discusses how teachers have designed the equipment and appropriate software to use with the computer in biology teaching. (TW)

Reviews software packages used in microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) experiments. They include programs for a precision timer, frequency meter, heat and light experiments, sound experiments, spectrum analysis, biofeedback analysis, and others. Reviews include a brief description, source, current cost, and equipment requirements. (JN)

Provides ideas for using the same port connection of personal computers to interface with laboratory instruments. Contains specific instructions on how to build transducers. Includes plans and diagrams for thermistors and light meters as well as computer programs for displaying instrument readings on monitors. (TW)

Discusses: (1) Brewster's angle in the elementary laboratory; (2) color mixing by computer; (3) computer iteration at A-level; (4) a simple probe for pressure measurement; (5) the measurement of distance using a laser; and (6) an activity on Archimede's principle. (JN)

Reports experiences during a two-year period in introducing the computer to the laboratory and students to the computer as a laboratory instrument. Describes a working philosophy, data acquisition system, and experiments. Summarizes the laboratory procedures of nine experiments, covering mechanics, heat, electromagnetism, and optics. (YP)

Describes a chemistry lab experiment in which a microcomputer is used to graph data. In the experiment a catalyst is used to decompose a commercial bleach. The computer's game port is used with a potentiometer to plot the volume of oxygen gas produced versus elapsed time. Courseware information is included. (TW)

Activities, experiments, computer programs, equipment, procedures, demonstrations, and teaching techniques are provided for a wide variety of topics in the biological and physical sciences. They include an improved apparatus for measuring rate of photosynthesis, procedures for making rainbows and measuring stomatal openings, and others. (JN)