Interactions with a scientific database of 2 classes of grade 11 students were monitored and teachers' epistemologies were examined. Results suggest that the computer itself does not facilitate inquiry learning; the teacher's epistemology is a key mediating influence on students' use of the computer as a tool of scientific inquiry. (Author/MKR)

Reviews four CD-ROM titles: (1) "The Way Things Work" provides explanations of machines and scientific principles that make them work; (2) "Stowaway" teaches about intricacies of an 18th-century warship; (3) "Explorapaedia: The World of Nature" teaches about plants, animals, ecosystems, and universe; and (4) "My…

Describes the use of an exploratory computerized approach to introduce first-year physics students to the ramifications of Newton's third law of motion. (JRH)

Describes a research program in which high school students act as individual investigators on scientific projects. Probes how to better introduce current scientific research topics and methodologies into the classroom. Provides an example using fractals. (MVL)

Presents a method of calculating acceleration resulting from gravity using computer-controlled photogates. (ZWH)

Presents teacher perspectives on the impact of Internet usage on their teaching practices. Semi-structured interviews and two online surveys provide data from teacher participants in the West Virginia K-12 RuralNet Project. (DDR)

Discusses reasons for using spreadsheets in science teaching. Presents a list of possible applications together with examples of these from very simple to more complex uses including animation of dynamic systems. Also provides a list of references for materials for beginners and more advanced users. Contains 12 references. (Author/ASK)

Describes using a computer statistical software package called Minitab to model the sensitivity of several microbes to the disinfectant NaOCl (Clorox') using the Kirby-Bauer technique. Each group of students collects data from one microbe, conducts regression analyses, then chooses the best-fit model based on the highest r-values obtained.…

Discusses using web sites to develop active inquiry lessons that mimic some of the tasks and thought processes scientists use everyday. The exercises available at the web sites are designed to develop science process skills and convey basic course content. Exercises stress the interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere. (Author/SAH)

Interactive videodisc controlled via hypermedia has the potential to create a virtual world in which novice teachers can experience and reflect upon problems of practice. This article describes case materials being used with elementary teacher preparation programs to provide a "field experience" with exemplary science teachers.…

Reports on the use of a HyperCard-based tool by preservice teachers to create and modify concept maps about science- related subject matter. Data gathered from interviews, journals, and concept maps indicate that the concept-mapping tool was easy to use and allowed teachers to organize their cognitive frameworks into more powerful integrated…

Discusses teaching display and presentation skills by incorporating it into an interdisciplinary computer, math, and science lesson on graphing and collecting data which reinforces problem-solving skills and develops students' abilities to graph and interpret data. (ASK)

Highlights key points from national reports addressing contemporary perspectives on learning theory, K-12 educational technology, educational theory development, and educational research policy, using illustrations from GenScope, an open-ended exploratory software tool that lets students investigate various phenomena in genetics. Illustrations…