Describes the powerful graphing ability of computer algebra systems (CAS) to create three-dimensional graphs or surface graphics of electric potentials. Provides equations along with examples of the printouts. Lists the programs Mathematica, Maple, Derive, Theorist, MathCad, and MATLAB as promising CAS systems. (MVL)

Provides an activity which measures the heat transfer through an insulated cylindrical tank, allowing the student to gain a better knowledge of both the physics involved and the working of spreadsheets. Provides both a spreadsheet solution and a maximum-minimum method of solution for the problem. (MVL)

The kinds of educational technologies selected can make the difference between uninspired, rote computer use and challenging learning experiences. University of Arizona's Image Processing for Teaching Project has worked with over 1,000 teachers to develop image-processing techniques that provide students with exciting, open-ended opportunities for…

Uses a TI-82 graphics calculator to model the air drag of plastic, wood, cork, and foam balls during projectiles experiments. Provides equations and typical data table. (MVL)

Describes the Macintosh equipment and software necessary to obtain and use digitized video for motion analysis. Also provides a simple strategy for undertaking such an analysis. (MVL)

Describes two laboratory exercises corresponding to studies of statics and dynamics to illustrate the concept that the combination of real and simulated laboratory tools, with some real data being recorded in computer-aided form, can result in a very sound understanding of physical principles. (JRH)

Uses chaos theory to investigate the nonlinear phenomenon of population growth fluctuation. Illustrates the use of computers and computer programs to make calculations in a nonlinear difference equation system. (MDH)

Reports on research that tested the effect of using a computer simulation to teach the concept of a food web to nonbiology majors in a large introductory course. Concludes that the use of the simulation resulted in significantly better performance on an open-ended essay question for those students who used the software, particularly for average…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using laptop computers rather than desktop computers in science classroom and laboratory instruction. Finds that while laptops provide greater flexibility, they come at a greater expense. Lists the uses of laptops in a departmental curriculum. (Author/WRM)

Explains how the graphing calculator can be used in simulations of physics experiments and how its use for plotting graphs requires a shift in emphasis from obtaining an experimental result to evaluating that result. (DDR)

Compared hypermedia and traditional instruction in their contribution to declarative, procedural, and conditional knowledge and retention using a pretest-posttest design. Data from ninth-grade biology students showed no significant difference between the groups in acquisition of declarative, conditional, and procedural knowledge. However, the…

Provides an overview of five earth and space science CD-ROMs and their potential contribution to learning mathematics and science. The software are "Welcome to the Planets"; "GeoMedia 2, Interactive Multimedia CD-ROM on Global Environmental Change"; "Mars Educational Multimedia"; "Redshift Multimedia Astronomy"; and "Expert Astronomer."…

Describes how two middle school science teachers approached the integration of interactive videodisc into their science teaching and curriculum. (Author/MKR)

Presents three science activities for the first week of class that use the cooperative learning approach and computers. Requires students to create a web page to introduce group members. (YDS)

Digital cameras are easy to find, easy to use, and offer great potential for incorporating technology into lessons. Project ideas can range from creating collections of objects to identify (e.g., insects, plants, rocks/minerals, and so on) to documenting the signs of the seasons or recording the progress of an investigation. Even stages of the…