Describes an experiment that uses the ultrasonic transducer for demonstrating the Fourier components of waveshapes such as the square and triangular waves produced by laboratory function generators. (JRH)

Presents a series of simple activities involving generalized two-dimensional motion topics to prepare students to study projectile motion. Uses a pair of motion detectors, each connected to a calculator-based-laboratory (CBL) unit interfaced with a standard graphics calculator, to explore two-dimensional motion. (JRH)

Introduces an alternative method to determine the mechanics of a moving object that uses computer vision algorithms with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera as a recording device. Presents two experiments, pendulum motion and terminal velocity, to compare results of the alternative and conventional methods. (YDS)

Describes a simple computer-interfaced experiment for recording the response of an RC network to direct current and square input signals. Undertakes a systematic qualitative and quantitative analysis for the high- and low-pass configurations. Suggests some examples of open-ended problems to develop a feel for circuit behavior. (AIM)

Presents Texas Instruments' new Calculator-Based Laboratory (CBL), a hand-held device that connects to a graphing calculator, as a tool to make sophisticated measurements outside the classroom laboratory. Describes activities that use the CBL to make measurements in motion studies. (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 the use of the Texas Instruments' calculator-based laboratory (CBL) and Vernier accelerometer for measuring the vector sum of the gravitational field and the acceleration of amusement park rides. (JRH)

Year 11 students investigated the real-world problem of whether screws are really brass. It allowed them to use the colorimeter and computer interface in a way that was easily understood and models normal practice in testing laboratories. Screws were dissolved in nitric acid and their absorbance of red light was compared with a standard curve.…

Presented is a simple laboratory set-up for teaching microprocessor-controlled data acquisition as a part of an instrumental analysis course. Discussed are the experimental set-up, experimental procedures, and technical considerations for this technique. (CW)

Evaluates a pair of workshops conducted by the Physics Courseware Evaluation Project. Presents data collected on computer tool needs of the teachers, microcomputer-based laboratory probes usage, spreadsheet usage, software usage, effectiveness of technology in the classroom, and teacher involvement with computers. Reports that high school teachers…

Presented are 29 science activities for secondary school science instruction. Topic areas include botany, genetics, biochemistry, anatomy, entomology, molecular structure, spreadsheets, chemistry, mechanics, astronomy, relativity, aeronautics, instrumentation, electrostatics, quantum mechanics, and laboratory interfacing. (CW)

Describes a junior high school course in musical composition using Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) technology. Discusses course objectives and three composition projects. Includes a list of definitions and asserts that MIDI technology offers students and teachers a powerful method to study how music works. (CFR)