Software designed to promote the use of open-ended investigations in science education was evaluated in a study of whether using case-based simulation enhances students' understanding of ethical issues and data interpretation in science. The software was a DNA gel electrophoresis simulation that enabled students to conduct simulated genetic tests.…

This packet contains student materials and a teacher's guide. The materials are designed to make complex international issues understandable and meaningful for students. The unit probes the political, moral, and racial issues raised by the Spanish-American War and the acquisition of an overseas empire. Students compare the values and concerns at…

The Virtual U Project is a simulation product created to help improve the management of the nation's university systems. Virtual U simulates running a university or college and assists management in allocating resources within the university. It is a powerful and user-friendly software tool that models the attitudes and behaviors of an academic…

This high school physics computer software resource is a systems and control simulator that covers the topics of electricity, electronics, mechanics, and programming. Circuits can easily be simulated on the screen and electronic and mechanical components can be combined. In addition to those provided in Crocodile Technology, a student can create…

This curriculum project, a lesson on Islamic Cairo, could be used in a unit on Islamic civilization in an advanced placement high school world history or world civilization course, or it could be used in a college level Middle Eastern history or Islamic civilization course. Upon completion of the lesson, students will be able to describe in…

The need to relate classroom instruction to a child's understanding of himself and his relationship with other people has stimulated a teaching project which offers continuity and meaning to factual learning. (JB)

Describes the computer-assisted environmental-educational game TERRA, which is designed to encourage lower-ability high school students to think at their own level about the future of their world. Based on "The Limits to Growth" (Meadows et al., 1972), the game comprises four programs: Terra Firma, Terradactyl, Inflation, and Doubles.…

Describes a procedure used to optimize instrument performance as taught in a fourth-year undergraduate instrumental analysis course. Gives rules for fixed and variable size simplex and discusses calculations. Also explains use of computer simulation of instruments as a tool in teaching the simplex technique. (JM)

A set of instructional materials for acquisition of clinical reasoning skills through independent study has been developed that uses simulation of patient encounters and addresses both medical and psychosocial issues. Small group instruction with the materials is preferred over individual use. (MSE)

Development of a course designed to help dental students integrate interpersonal and clinical skills to help periodontal patients accept and adhere to long-term self-care regimens is described. An algorithm illustrates to students the process of plaque control and the patient's role. (MSE)

Three articles discuss the use of computers in education: (1) "References for a Broader Vision" (Henry F. Olds, Jr.); (2) "What Every Teacher Should Know About Computer Simulations" (David Grady); and (3) "The Computer as Palette and Model Builder" (Interview of Alan Kay). (CJ)

Describes computer program (HUMAN) used to simulate physiological experiments on patient pathology. Program (available from authors, including versions for microcomputers) consists of dynamic interactions of over 150 physiological variables and integrating approximations of cardiovascular, renal, lung, temperature regulation, and some hormone…

A study investigated the comparative effectiveness of videotape protocols and role-play simulations as procedures for eliciting designated teacher competencies. Results indicate that the videotape protocol treatment was the superior procedure for teaching specific behaviors to preservice teachers in a field-based reading practicum. (CJ)

Empirical results from two studies--a simulation study and an experimental one--indicated that, in achievement data of the problem-solving type where a specific subject matter area is being tested, the greater the variety of the algorithms used, the higher the dimensionality of the test data. (Author/PN)

Negotiation and advocacy simulations, introduced into a Torts I course at the University of Florida College of Law, are described and evaluated by the teacher using them. Extensive supporting materials for the cases in point are appended, including statements of the problems, rules and instructions, tactics, and report forms. (MSE)