This study focused on students' development of inquiry skills in a computerized learning environment. Seven Year-11 classes (n=120) interacted with a computerized database, "Birds of Antarctica," and curriculum materials while the teacher used an inquiry approach to learning. Students perceived their classes as more investigative and…

Describes the use of NASA Spacelink Computer Information Service for Educators to obtain instructional materials and ideas for classroom demonstrations. Uses the free-fall concept of zero gravity as an example. Provides NASA Spacelink contact information. (JRH)

Describes the use of the TI-82 graphics calculator as an intermediate step in introducing computers to the high-school physics lab. Discusses linking the calculator with other machines so that students can save data, enter programs on a computer and later download to the calculator, and transfer graphs to a computer for printing. (JRH)

Describes a computer program to teach the concepts that underpin genetic mapping using a three-point test cross. The program is used in a sophomore-level course for biology majors that presents a rigorous introduction to genetics. (PR)

Explores the relative effects of cooperation with and without inter-group competition on Taiwanese students' academic achievement in science and their attitudes toward science in a computer-assisted instruction environment. Contains 23 references. (Author/ASK)

Describes how science education partnerships composed of educational researchers, technologists, classroom teachers, natural scientists, and pedagogy experts can create effective instructional innovations using Internet technologies. Illustrates how the Scaffolded Knowledge Integration (SKI) framework gives partnerships a head start on effective…

Describes distance education in an elementary science methods course using newsgroups and electronic mail discussion groups via computer. Compares the newsgroup to the discussion group and points out the importance of interaction in cooperative learning. (YDS)

States that constructive thinking about variables seems to be a key to accelerated learning in science and that computer modeling can enable this. A taped sequence of a group in the exploratory use of a model reveals the potential of such activity. (Author/ASK)

Describes an exercise for a lecture class that breaks the monotony of note taking and requires active student thought and participation. Helps students grasp the idea of geologic time as it relates to the erosion of a prominent local landmark, Massanutten Mountain. (Author/SAH)

Examined (n=36) teachers' perceptions and use of interactive videodiscs (IVD) in the teaching of science. Perceptions tended to be positive. Major barriers to IVD usage were limited equipment availability and lack of time to develop and implement IVD-based lessons. (Author/MKR)

Explores the efficacy of promoting a beginning chemistry teacher's curriculum development and teaching practices through the use of computers. Observes and analyzes the teacher's instructional practices both before and after the web site treatment which includes pictorial analogies, historical cases of science, and discrepant events. Reports…

Discusses the benefits of using multimedia Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) as an alternative teaching method. CAL packages may provide more flexibility in course design, encourage student-centered learning, and help students of differing abilities and academic backgrounds. Also examines problems associated with the use of multimedia CAL such as…

This Italian contribution to the STTIS (science teacher training in an information society) investigations of transformations of curriculum innovations looks at the implementation of the use of real-time experiments and images (RTEI), in which computer data acquisition and display is built in to aspects of science teaching. Certain critical…

Some aspects of biology, for example the Hardy-Weinberg simulation of population genetics or modelling heat flow in lizards, have an undeniable mathematical basis. Students can find the level of mathematical skill required to deal with such concepts to be an insurmountable hurdle to understanding. If not used effectively, spreadsheet models…

Students value participation in meaningful research. They feel empowered when they effect positive change in their communities. They also have a strong affinity for frogs and toads, although they vehemently deny this at the start of the school year. In addition, most students recognize the value of using computer technology to solve world…