Discusses general statistical methods which could be employed to develop homework problems and laboratory exercises. Methods emphasize experimental design and the effects of uncertainties on inferences drawn from experimental data. (CW)

Reports on a study designed to investigate how the use of computer assisted instruction (CAI) tutorial programs, incorporating advance organizers and involving various sizes of groups of subjects, would affect achievement scores, retention scores, and rates of learning. (TW)

Proposed are the use of implementation strategies available to teachers through the application of Robert Gagne's nine instructional events. The application of computer technology in science education is discussed. (CW)

The Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS), with support from the National Science Foundation, is conducting a three-year project to develop a model for implementing educational computing in school science. This paper explains the tentative model in detail and presents the results of a pilot test of the model, which project staff conducted…

Describes a computer program presenting four genetics problems to monitor the problem solving process of college students. Identifies three main areas of difficulty: computational skills; determination of gametes; and application of previous learning to new situations. (Author/YP)

Describes an experiment involving data acquisition by a computer, digital signal transmission from the computer to a digital logic circuit and signal interpretation by this circuit. The system is being used at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Discusses the fundamental concepts involved. Demonstrates the alarm experiment as it is used in…

Several models for preparing preservice and inservice teachers to use microcomputers in science teaching are described. A summary of research on the topic is included. A list of competencies needed by teachers to use microcomputers in teaching is provided. Recommendations for implementing computers in teacher education are suggested. (CW)

Presented are two applications of computer technology to chemistry instruction: the use of a spreadsheet program to analyze acid-base titration curves and the use of database software to catalog stockroom inventories. (CW)

Investigated the appropriateness of microcomputer-based laboratories (MBLs) for elementary school students. Reports that children expanded their repertoire of graph-making and interpreting skills and MBLs supported scientific inquiry for and by the children. (28 references) (Author/JRH)

The reviews of articles contained in this issue have been grouped into those dealing with research related to cognitive development and to instruction. In addition, seven science education researchers have provided responses to critiques of their published research. Included are: (1) an analysis of an article designed to persuade researchers to…

Reports on the results of a University of Arizona experiment that used electronic mail to supplement traditional modes of student/instructor interaction in four courses in electrical and computer engineering. Results indicated that students liked electronic mail to supplement their discourse with their instructors. (TW)

Describes the underlying pattern that, once seen, will allow students to describe the shape of any hydrogen orbital. Involves the exponential form of the orbitals. Provides computer-generated plots of this concept. (CW)

Reports on a study which investigated the effects of having students analyze circuits in the laboratory compared with troubleshooting from homework problems. Results indicated that laboratory experiences provide a richer learning experience than lecture and homework alone. (TW)

Described is a series of computer tutorials developed to teach students a logical method of problem solving for chemistry. The structure, pedagogy, and problem-solving strategies of the computer software program are described. (CW)

Discusses programs to provide a knowledge base and use the knowledge in a mode of artificial intelligence. Indicates that two methods of database storage are possible and opts to use a method using many data files while using a small RAM capacity. Lists several programs. (MVL)