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)

Examines various trends and issues in educational computing. Areas addressed include hardware advances, personal databases, laboratory data handling, graphic displays, national networking (including access of Project SERAPHIM materials through the CompuServe Information Service), software advances, Project SERAPHIM activities, and future…

Discusses the nature of expert systems, including various techniques they use to represent knowledge (such as production rules, semantic networks, frames, first-order logic, and others), system interactions, and such problem domains as science, medicine, computer configuration, trouble-shooting/repair, and oil/mineral exploration. Also discusses…

Describes computer assisted simulation model for studying problems of an ecosystem. Example used is algae-Daphnia-predator system. Problems for students to solve in this ecosystem are described. (PS)

Discusses use of two EAI semi-expanded TR-20 units to display solutions to differential equations for harmonic oscillators, quantum-mechanical particles, trajectories, radioactive decay series, and hysteresis curves. Suggests practical applications for both undergraduate physics laboratories and classroom demonstrations. (CC)

Scientists are designing computer models of biological systems, and of compounds with complex molecules, that can be used to get answers once obtainable only by sacrificing laboratory animals. Although most programs are still under development, some are in use by industrial/pharmaceutical companies. The programs and experiments they simulate are…

Guidelines to use when solving complex design problems and two illustrative examples were presented in Volume 16 (No. 1), page 12 of this journal. Two additional examples are presented, focusing on ASCEND-II, a flowsheeting system to help "design" a computer model for a process. (SK)

Describes use of Warnier-Orr program design method for preparing general chemistry tutorial on ideal gas calculations. This program (BASIC-PLUS) is available from the author. Also describes a multipurpose computerized class record system at the University of Toledo. (JN)

Discusses use and applications of computer technology in chemistry, indicating that the importance of the computer has not been fully realized in the realm of organic synthesis. Includes discussions of various computer programs and systems currently used, supplemented by tables highlighting, for example, features of major computer-aided synthesis…

Describes major features of a computer-operated, cybernetic potentiostat and the development, design, and operation of the software in ROM. The instrument contains control circuitry and software making it compatible with the static mercury drop electrode produced by EG&G Princeton Applied Research Corporation. Sample results using the…

Describes apparatus and method used to allow rapid and repeated measurement of acceleration of a ball rolling down an inclined plane. Acceleration measurements can be performed in an hour with the apparatus interfaced to a Commodore PET microcomputer. A copy of the BASIC program is available from the authors. (Author/JN)

Discusses the role and use of microcomputers in scientific research, from monitoring instruments to controlling experimental processes. Included are descriptions of a computer-controlled protein sequencer and gene synthesizer, and microcomputer uses in medicine, physiology, biochemistry, and geology. (JN)

A method is presented for teaching some topics of kinematics. It involves the use of electronic equipment, which allows active student participation, the systematic analysis and solution of problems, and the use of a quick feedback loop for training. (Author/SK)

Describes three main areas of computer application in science classrooms, discusses problems of selecting microcomputers (hardware) and programs (software) for classroom use, and evaluates the prospects for successful use of computers in science teaching. (Author/JN)

Suggests that students are able to learn science processes and skills using microcomputers. Discusses a program (used in a research project) recording estimates students make of "popping balloons" and time taken to make estimates, and making presentation easy/difficult so skill processing could be varied. (JN)