Builds on a National Science Foundation (NSF) microcomputer based laboratory project to introduce system dynamics into the precollege setting. Focuses on providing students with powerful and investigatory theory building tools. Discusses developed hardware, software, and curriculum materials used to introduce model building and simulations into…

Discusses cooperative problem solving among Open University physics and math students and describes three studies that investigated how to design effective computer-based support for collaborative learning in distance education. The value of peer interaction for learning and problem solving is discussed, and students' attitudes to group work are…

Describes the development and evaluation of an interactive videodisc designed for Open University students in a physics course that explores the physical properties of water. The user interface is discussed; software is described; videodisc production is explained; and results of an evaluation of student attitudes from questionnaire responses is…

A study of the effectiveness of teaching science to 2 classes of 15 and 20 ninth-graders, respectively, illustrates 5 aspects of educational evaluation: age factors in teachability, test unidimensionality, comparison of 2 classes of students regarding mean ability, objective difficulty of test items, and objective ability of individual students.…

Describes the long-term, three phase Project 2061. Notes that phase one, defining the substance of scientific literacy, is completed. Examines phase two in which scientists and educators will develop new curriculum models. States phase three will be a widespread effort to move the nation towards scientific literacy. (MVL)

Describes a lesson in which the life-cycle of an insect is studied. Provides information on the purchase and care of the animal and directions for student observations. Questions and activities are included. (RT)

Describes the development of an interactive video system including history, cost, equipment needed, and copying of disks. Provides methodology for producing a program using several chemistry topics. Discusses current innovations such as touchscreens and interactive realism. (MVL)

Discusses a software package that allows the user to solve mathematical problems, analyze data, plot graphs, and to examine mathematical models. Presents the attributes of the program and the available mathematical functions. Provides an example of pH calculations. (MVL)

Defines M-demand as the maximum number of schemes that the subject must activate simultaneously in the course of executing a task. Discusses the effect of M-demand on problem solving. Uses algorithms to reduce M-demand. Describes the role of algorithms in problem solving. (MVL)

Describes two software programs for the Apple II series and TRS-80 Models III and IV: (1) "Personal Energy Inventory" (grades 9-12, records and manages data, not considered user friendly); (2) "Energy Conservation" (grades 7-12, aids in converting and problem solving, uses drill and practice). (MVL)

Provides a short history of the comic book. Discusses several comics and notes how chemistry was involved. Selects science fiction, chemical facts, rocketry, and educational comics as areas for study. Includes drawings as examples of each area. (MVL)

Reports the design for a principles-before-details presentation of electronics for an instrumental analysis class. Uses computers for data collection and simulations. Requires one semester with two 2.5-hour periods and two lectures per week. Includes lab and lecture syllabi. (MVL)

Discusses the role of the chemistry teacher impacting elementary science by training elementary teachers. Provides information for a 28-hour hands-on workshop for elementary teachers and lists 47 activities for the teachers. Included topics are food science, observation, liquids, gases, and general chemistry. (MVL)

Presents five computer programs: (1) Accurate Numerical Solutions of the One-Dimensional Schrodinger Equation; (2) NMR Simulation and Interactive Drill/Interpretation; (3) A Simple Computer Program for the Calculation of 13C-NMR Chemical Shifts; (4) Constants of 1:1 Complexes from NMR or Spectrophotometric Measurements; and (5) Saturation…

Summarizes papers appearing in other journals: (1) "Assessing the Impact of Computer-Based Instruction"; (2) "Computers as Tutors: MENDEL as an Example"; (3) "Computers in the Education of Science Students: A Comparison of Universities and Colleges in Japan and the United States"; (4) "Differentiation and Integration in a CAI Format"; and (5)…