This document contains an instructional unit which deals with one major topic in ecology. It focuses on the variables which affect the development of populations and determine their final size within a given period of time. The variables operating in nature which determine the development of populations are numerous, thus complicating the task of…

Two classroom studies, one conducted in the spring of 1985 and the second in the spring of 1986, showed that many high school students do not differentiate between heat and temperature; instead, they have a single concept that contains some of the features of heat and some of the features of temperature. Because the distinction between these two…

The concept of the density of a material has an important role in elementary and secondary school science curricula, but it is a difficult concept to grasp. This project explores why this should be and whether there are some simpler, more accessible notions which can serve as the basis for building a concept of density in students' minds during…

This report contains recommendations and guidelines for the development of a national computer education program for all Australian schools. The introduction provides background information on the appointment of the National Advisory Committee on Computers in Schools, including the guidelines and objectives set for it by the government. Chapter 2,…

The following 25 papers (with their authors) are presented from a conference on computer technology in special education and rehabilitation: "Computers for Business--Computers for Life" (I. Keith Austin); "Rehabilitation and the Computer: How to Find What You Need" (Thomas Backer); "Computer Access Alternatives for Visually Impaired People in…

This report examines mathematical graphing utilities or function plotters for use in introductory algebra classes of more advanced courses. Each product selected for inclusion in this report is able to construct the graph of a given equation on the screen and serves as a utility which may be used by the student for an open-ended exploration of a…

Prepared from taped transcripts, this report summarizes presentations and panel sessions from a conference at Syracuse (New York) University that investigated the power that computers deliver to teachers and students of writing and editing, and the challenge of making the transition from typewriters to computers in the classroom. Titles of the…

This program, developed at the Ogden-Weber Education Center (Ogden, Utah) provides a curriculum for all levels of mental handicap, in which exit objectives of one phase meet entrance objectives for the next phase, and all objectives meet the requirements of the setting in which mentally handicapped students will live after completion of public…

This report describes a Prescription Learning Company basic mathematics multi-media laboratory at an elementary school in Austin, Texas. Research assumptions that the Prescription Learning approach makes are explored and reviewed. A sample of 12 fifth grade students participated in attitude and achievement results of the laboratory. Twenty-four…

Describes a summer institute for elementary secondary science teachers held at the University of California, Irvine, which is designed to update and refine the scientific knowledge of the teachers and to build a scientific foundation for crossover teachers who are teaching without an adequate science background. (TW)

Shows the advantages of using word processors in freshman composition classes that use the instructional technique of peer evaluation. Points out that the benefits are practical for both evaluators and composers, and suggests how to implement a computerized peer evaluation system. (SKC)

Addresses concerns related to how educational software can be designed to accommodate a constructivist approach to learning. Describes features of software which are consistent with a constructivist view and cites examples of physics materials which are appropriate. (ML)

Discusses potential uses of computer technology in the mathematics classroom and some factors constraining its breadth of use. Identifies the need for teacher education programs which support teachers' use of computers. Describes a cooperative project involving university faculty, secondary school teachers, and preservice teacher trainees which…

Reviews "Vernier Software: Precision Timer II" for high school through college mechanics. Introduces 14 different modes including pulse time, pendulum timer, bouncer timer, gate timer, collision timers, and stroke calibration. Provides two typical displays and ratings of the software. (YP)

Discusses the use of Logo tools, spinners, dice, and coins for creating and understanding probability. Gives procedures for devising a spinner board and other necessary functions for performing the activity. Presents ideas for extending the experiment. (RT)