The successful implementation of an innovation--information technology in this instance--is a process that is developmental in nature, and a highly personal experience for each teacher. Thus, for any change to be successful, the concerns of each individual teacher must be taken into consideration when intervention strategies are developed. Hall,…

Describes two types of star charts commonly available for astronomical viewing and outlines a strategy by which teachers can have students use a computer spreadsheet to prepare their own easy-to-use star charts appropriate for the location, date, and time of viewing. (Author/MKR)

Surveys of (n=179) department chairs showed 47% of secondary science teachers did not use microcomputers during instruction, but 76% indicated microcomputers have had an impact on science laboratory activities in their school. Most frequent applications were simulations, graphing packages, and probes for collecting laboratory data. (17 references)…

Summarizes plenary papers presented at the NSF/SSMA Wingspread Conference to explore ways to improve science and mathematics education through integration. Themes included analysis of integration; divergence of mathematics education from science education; technological perspectives; promoting mathematical and scientific inquiry; and school…

Investigated the effects of studying an ecological system via computer simulation on 14- and 15-year-old students' (n=9) abilities to pose hypotheses; control and manipulate variables; and learn via icon, graph, and table display formats. Working with a simulation encouraged students to think hypothetically and test their hypotheses by controlling…

Provides reviews of courseware entitled: "Mystery Matter," which is a series that supplements the basic inquiry process; "Jumping Math Flash," which is an arcade-game program with arithmetic problems; and "Quest for Files: Science Rocks and Minerals The Upper Crust," which is a database program for earth science.…

Presents a study to develop and partially validate an instrument to measure the self-efficacy beliefs of teachers related to utilizing microcomputers in science instruction. The resulting instrument contained two subscales: the Outcome Expectancy and Personal Self Efficacy Scales. Appendices include the instrument and scoring instructions. (17…

Introduces microcomputer interfacing as a method for explaining and demonstrating various aspects of the concept of function. Provides three experiments with illustrations and typical computer graphic displays: pendulum motion, pendulum study using two pendulums, and heat absorption and radiation. (YP)

Reviews two software packages for the Macintosh series. "Course Builder 2.0," a courseware authoring system, allows the user to create programs which stand alone and may be used independently in the classroom. "World Builder," an artificial intelligence software package, allows creative thinking, problem-solving, and…

Reports on a study designed to analyze six primary science education journals published in 1985 and compares the results with some baseline data collected in 1970. Results indicated that the amount of material being published per year during that period increased, with additional emphasis on methods of teaching. (TW)

Three computer programs for the Apple II family are reviewed: (1) "Super Vocab Machine"--vocabulary self-tutorial; (2) "Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures: A Matter of Mystery"--database for the elements; and (3) "That's Life: Human Body Exploration"--information about the human body. (MVL)

Presents integrated activities for mathematics and biology appropriate for various levels from grades five through eight. Explores interesting aspects of human fingernails and hair growth and their mathematical relationship to time. Provides suggestions to integrate the activities with technology. (MDH)

Discusses the importance of the use of models in modern science. Suggests that models can make a significant contribution to the teaching of science and mathematics. Explains that representative models, analogue models, logical models, and theoretical models are most commonly used models in science and mathematics. (TW)

Reports results of a survey to identify and compare characteristics of active mathematics (n=2,510) and science (n=1,870) in Alabama. Characteristics compared included teacher certification, experience and age; gender; daily preparations required; microcomputer availability; and continuing education participation. Greatest needs identified…

Includes a list of favorably reviewed microcomputer software designed to be used in instructing students in kindergarten through grade 12. Developed as an aid to educators in previewing software, the list provides the name, type, cost, publisher, and grade level for instructional software in science and mathematics. (TW)