This investigation is designed to help students learn landmarks and possible dangers for settlers who traveled down the Ohio River in 1789. The document describes a simulation in which the students attempt to survive a flatboat trip from Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) to Losantiville (Cincinnati, Ohio). Along the trail are points of historical…

This interdisciplinary program, developed for secondary students, contains 18 land use activities that can either be used directly in, or as a supplement to, curriculum in Science, Biology, Horticulture, Mathematics, Social Studies, English, Industrial Arts and Physical Education. The topics to be investigated include: land use simulation games,…

Reports on a study that examined and compared the cognitive effectiveness of a traditional hands-on laboratory exercise with a computer-simulated program on the same topic. Sought to determine if coupling these formats would provide optimum student comprehension. Suggests hands-on exercises be followed by computer simulations as postlaboratory…

Describes a teaching strategy designed to help high school students learn mechanics by involving them in simple experimental work, observing didactic films, running computer simulations, and executing more complex laboratory experiments. Provides an example of the strategy as it is applied to the topic of projectile motion. (TW)

Describes a computer simulation which deals with the Werner-Jorgensen controversy from the standpoint of Kuhn's description of scientific change. Encourages the use of such instructional approaches to introduce general chemistry students to the process of science, including how (1) theories develop, (2) change occurs, and (3) scientists behave.…

Reports on a study designed to determine the relative effectiveness of different instructional approaches on chemistry laboratory achievement. Investigated differences in achievement in spectrophotometry among college freshmen who received either traditional, learning cycle, or computer simulation instruction. Results indicated that students…

Describes a course recently developed at the University of Pennsylvania in mechanical engineering which emphasizes computer applications to laboratory instruction. Discusses the course objectives and explains the computer simulations and experiments utilized in the course. (TW)

Briefly describes eight applications of computers to the teaching of chemistry. Includes discussions of computer software designed for organic synthesis experiments, spectrum band analyses, and the memorization of chemical terminology. Discusses new ways to store and retrieve information, interface plotters and computers, and use pocket computers.…

Discusses the problems created by the insufficient number of major data collection and analysis instruments in most college chemistry courses. Suggests the use of less expensive microcomputer-controlled instrument emulators, which resemble the actual instruments. Discusses the application of one such emulator in an instrumental analysis course.…

Discusses the impact of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) on traditional engineering teaching philosophy and methodology. Describes a new instructional approach based on CAE. Includes selected examples of problem situations which can be simulated through the use of CAE. (TW)

Discusses the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems in an undergraduate engineering education program. Provides a rationale for CAD/CAM use in the already existing engineering program. Describes the methods used in choosing the systems, some initial results, and warnings for first-time users. (TW)

Explains the functions of and the techniques employed in expert systems. Offers the program "The Periodic Table Expert," as a model for using artificial intelligence techniques in BASIC. Includes the program listing and directions for its use on: Tandy 1000, 1200, and 2000; IBM PC; PC Jr; TRS-80; and Apple computers. (ML)

Provides an annotated list of references for educators on using computers in the classroom and for researchers in gathering background materials in preparation of articles, grant proposals, and presentations. Focuses specifically on the topic of computer simulation. (ML)

Reviews "Scatter," a software package consisting of three programs designed to help students "see" results of particle scattering and representative concepts difficult to show in introductory laboratories. Includes source, equipment needed, physics level, time involvement, interaction, and nature of programs. Recommends only…

Describes a program designed to improve public awareness/understanding of major factors in managing water resources. Use is made of an interactive computer simulator to place lay people and teachers in decision-making situations involving real variables and alternatives and to project for them the probable consequences of their water management…