This study assessed the effectiveness of computer-based biomolecular visualization activities on the development of high school biology students' representational competence as a means of understanding and visualizing protein structure/function relationships. Also assessed were students' attitudes toward these activities. Sixty-nine students…

The current paper describes the design and development of a qualitative analysis course and an interactive web-based teaching and assessment tool called VSE (virtual structural environment). The widespread reliance on structural analysis programs requires engineers to be able to verify computer output by carrying out qualitative analyses.…

Describes three microcomputer programs that allow geology students to deform two-dimensional images on a computer screen and then to measure changes in angular relationships. Two of the programs simulate pure and simple shear and the third simulates variations in shear strain that occur in shear zones. (ML)

Describes two applications of the microcomputer for laboratory exercises. Explores radioactive decay using the Batemen equations on a Macintosh computer. Provides examples and screen dumps of data. Investigates polymer configurations using a Monte Carlo simulation on an IBM personal computer. (MVL)

Reviews four organic chemistry computer programs and three books. Software includes: (1) NMR Simulator 7--for IBM or Macintosh, (2) Nucleic Acid Structure and Synthesis--for IBM, (3) Molecular Design Editor--for Apple II, and (4) Synthetic Adventure--for Apple II and IBM. Book topics include physical chemistry, polymer pioneers, and the basics of…

Notes two uses of computer spreadsheets in the chemistry classroom. Discusses the general use of the spreadsheet to easily provide changing parameters of equations and then replotting the results on the screen. Presents a molecular orbital spreadsheet calculation of the LCAO-MO approach. Supplies representative printouts and graphs. (MVL)

Lists a program for a simulation of Rutherford's gold foil experiment in BASIC for both Apple II and IBM compatible computers. Compares Rutherford's model of the atom with Thompson's plum pudding model of the atom. (MVL)

Describes an open-ended computer simulation project that can be used to illustrate the growth of solid crystals in different forms at any level from high school physics to graduate physics. Discusses a simple computer program in BASIC language on an IBM personal computer. Gives examples of simulations. (CW)