Dept. of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120
These resources were compiled as part of an Independent Study project in science education conducted under the supervision of Prof. J. E. Armstrong. Project Completion: July 1993
The following entries are from books, journals, and microfiche and provide many ways in which simple, inexpensive laboratories may be run. Using the information provided below, you may locate the article and prepare an activity that has been shown to provide useful learning in the secondary classroom. It is the intention of this project to provide only resource and helpful citations to teachers interested in performing successful laboratories. These resources were compiled in preparation for student teaching, and having done the work, these citations are made available to teachers without access to ERIC and other educational databases, and to save others from having to make similar searches.
TITLE: Computer Uses in Secondary Science Education. ERIC Digest.
CORPORATE SOURCE: ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources, Syracuse, N.Y. SPONSORING AGENCY: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. 1991
AVAILABILITY: ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources, Syracuse University, 030 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244-2340 (free with stamped, self-addressed envelope while supply lasts).
DESCRIPTIVE NOTE: 4 p.
DOCUMENT TYPE: Information Analyses - ERIC IAP's (071)
DESCRIPTORS: Academic-Achievement; Computer-Literacy; Databases-; Educational-Strategies; Interactive-Video; Locus-of-Control; Microcomputers-; Secondary-Education; Word-Processing
DESCRIPTORS: *Computer-Uses-in-Education; *Science-Education; *Secondary-School-Curriculum
ABSTRACT: The importance of using computers in a science education class is not limited to computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Computers may also be used as an educational strategy to improve overall learning and computer literacy in students. Research has shown an improvement in academic achievement in students using computers, as well as an increase in scientific reasoning skills and scientific knowledge. Many science teachers are currently using computers to produce tests and worksheets; record, calculate, and post student grades; develop tests and worksheets; and produce supplementary items such as crossword puzzles, posters, and diagrams to support instructional activities. A small number of teachers also use computers as a component in selected laboratory activities, and students are being increasingly introduced to computer database searching. On the cutting edge of classroom computer applications, interactive video disks (on biology, earth science, physics, and chemistry) are making their way into many science classrooms. The major factor inhibiting computer use is insufficient computer hardware and software due to budgetary constraints. Ideally, students would have access to individual microcomputer workstations complete with touch-screen interactive video and high quality computer managed instruction that would allow them to proceed at their own pace. In this situation, the role of the science teacher would be dramatically different, yet just as valuable and rewarding as it is now. Science education in the future will incorporate computer use--including word processing, many forms of computer assisted instruction (CAI), laboratory instrumentation, interactive video courseware, and scientific database searching--and the educational process will be better because of it. (8 references) (DB)
TITLE: Fresh Water Life. 1991 Nature-Study; v44 n4 p13-15 Dec 1991
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Guides - Classroom - Teacher (052)
DESCRIPTORS: Educational-Strategies; Elementary-Secondary- Education; Higher-Education; Instructional-Materials; Outdoor- Activities; Outdoor-Education; Water-Resources
DESCRIPTORS: *Biology-; *Environmental-Education; *Learning- Activities; *Science-Education; *Water-
ABSTRACT: Describes methodology for a fresh water life study with elementary through college age students with suggestions for proper equipment, useful guides, and other materials. Proposes an activity for the collection and study of plankton. Includes background information.(MCO)
TITLE: Integrative Discovery Doing Science. 1990 Gifted-Child-Today-(GCT); v13 n2 p8-11 Mar-Apr 1990
DOCUMENT TYPE: Reports - Descriptive (141); Journal Articles
DESCRIPTORS: College-School-Cooperation; Intermediate-Grades
DESCRIPTORS: *Biology-; *Enrichment-Activities; *Gifted-; *Microscopes-; *Videotape-Recordings
ABSTRACT: The article details a program in which gifted upper elementary grade students used videomicroscopy in a study of microscopic life in pond water. Each child produced a narrated videotape of a specific species studied. Program evaluation confirmed the motivational benefits of early opportunities with scientific instrumentation and methodology. (DB)
TITLE: An Outdoor Lab Exercise Using Leaf Traps. 1989 American-Biology-Teacher; v51 n7 p432-35 Oct 1989
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Reports - Descriptive (141); Guides - Classroom - Teacher (052)
DESCRIPTORS: Biological-Sciences; Biology-; Botany-; College- Science; Higher-Education; Laboratory-Equipment; Outdoor- Education; Science-Education; Secondary-Education
DESCRIPTORS: *Ecology-; *Field-Studies; *Laboratory-Procedures; *Science-Activities; *Scientific-Methodology; *Secondary-School- Science
ABSTRACT: Presented is an activity which uses the annual process of abscission and leaf drop to illustrate all of the phases of the scientific method. Procedures, hypothesis formation, and typical results and conclusions are discussed. Alternative activities are suggested. (CW)
TITLE: A Contribution to a Methodology for Teaching and Assessment of Group Problem-Solving in Biology among 15-year-old Pupils. 1989 Journal-of-Biological-Education; v23 n3 p193-98 Fall 1989
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Reports - Descriptive (141); Reports - Research (143)
DESCRIPTORS: Biological-Sciences; Biology-; Creative-Thinking; Junior-High-Schools; Laboratory-Procedures; Middle-Schools; Science-Materials; Secondary-Education
DESCRIPTORS: *Cognitive-Processes; *Educational-Assessment; *Problem-Solving; *Science-Activities; *Secondary-School-Science; *Teaching-Methods
ABSTRACT: Suggested is a methodology for teaching and assessing group problem-solving with secondary school pupils. The results of a study conducted on th-Education; *Laboratory-Equipment; *Physiology-; *Secondary-School-Science
ABSTRACT: Described are two methods which use microcomputers to illustrate the use of the electrocardiogram and the function of the heart. Included are a simulation and a method of collecting live electrocardiograms. Hardware, software, and the use of these systems are discussed. (CW)
1989 Science-and-Children; v26 n4 p34-36 Jan 1989
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Book/Product Reviews (072)
DESCRIPTORS: Astronomy-; Biology-; Earth-Science; Geology-; Physical-Sciences; Physiology-; Science-Instruction
DESCRIPTORS: *Computer-Oriented-Programs; *Computer-Simulation; *Computer-Software-Reviews; *Computer-Uses-in-Education; *Courseware-; *Secondary-School-Science
ABSTRACT: Presents comments by classroom teachers on courseware for science teaching. Topics covered include astronomy, the heart, sound, geology, physiology, and glacial landforms. Specifications pertaining to equipment needed, availability, and cost are provided. (Author/RT)
TITLE: Simulation Modeling on the Macintosh using STELLA. 1987 BioScience; v37 n2 p129-32 Feb 1987
DESCRIPTIVE NOTE: BioScience, AIBS, 730 11th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20001-4584.
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Reports - Descriptive (141); Computer Programs (101)
DESCRIPTORS: Computer-Graphics; Computer-Uses-in-Education; Higher-Education; Microcomputers-; Science-Education; Simulation- ; Water-Resources
DESCRIPTORS: *Biology-; *College-Science; *Computer-Oriented- Programs; *Computer-Simulation; *Courseware-; *Models-
ABSTRACT: Describes a new software package for the Apple Macintosh computer which can be used to create elaborate simulation models in a fraction of the time usually required without using a programming language. Illustrates the use of the software which relates to water usage. (TW)
TITLE: Teaching Cardiovascular Integrations with Computer Laboratories. 1985 Physiologist; v28 n3 p159-69 Jun 1985
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Reports - Descriptive
DESCRIPTORS: Computer-Assisted-Instruction; Higher-Education; Models-; Science-Education
DESCRIPTORS: *Biology-; *College-Science; *Computer-Simulation; *Physiology-; *Science-Experiments; *Veterinary-Medical-Education
ABSTRACT: Describes a computer-based instructional unit in cardiovascular physiology. The program (which employs simulated laboratory experimental techniques with a problem-solving format is designed to supplement an animal laboratory and to offer students an integrative approach to physiology through use of microcomputers. Also presents an overview of the models for these laboratories. (ML)
TITLE: New and Promising: Software Worth a Look. A MicroSIFT Survey of Educational Software Preview Center Coordinators. Volume II, No. 1.
CORPORATE SOURCE: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, Oreg.
SPONSORING AGENCY: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. 1990
DESCRIPTIVE NOTE: 10 p.; For Volume I, No. 4 (November 1989) of this series, see ED 319 363.
DOCUMENT TYPE: Reference Materials - Directories /Catalogs (132) DESCRIPTORS: Computer-Graphics; Computer-Simulation; Computer- Software-Reviews; Databases-; Elementary-Secondary-Education
DESCRIPTORS: *Computer-Assisted-Instruction; *Courseware-; *Language-Arts; *Mathematics-Instruction; *Science-Instruction; *Social-Studies
ABSTRACT: This guide lists 21 software packages considered to be worthy of further consideration by other reviewing agencies and schools by a group of 12 computer coordinators from educational software preview centers and evaluation agencies. These software products have been selected as not being likely to appear in the reviews produced by major software evaluation agencies. Included are reviews of courseware for applications in biology, civics, geography, geology, history, language arts, mathematics, music, physics, problem solving, and writing. The types of programs include simulations, use of computer tools (e.g., Hyperscreen), word processing, tutorials, databases, and games. In addition to a brief description of the software package, each entry includes information on: (1) the publisher; (2) the suggested grade level(s); (3) topics addressed; (4) hardware requirements; and (5) price. A list of software producers' addresses and telephone numbers is also provided. (GL)
1985 School-Science-Review; v66 n236 p467-531 Mar 1985
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Reports - Descriptive (141); Computer Programs (101)
DESCRIPTORS: Chemical-Reactions; Computer-Software; Demonstrations-Educational; Science-Activities; Science- Education; Secondary-Education
DESCRIPTORS: *Biology-; *Chemistry-; *Laboratory-Procedures; *Physics-; *Science-Experiments; *Secondary-School-Science
ABSTRACT: Presents 23 experiments, demonstrations, activities, and computer programs in biology, chemistry, and physics. Topics include lead in petrol, production of organic chemicals, reduction of water, enthalpy, X-ray diffraction model, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, computer simulation for additive mixing of colors, Archimedes Principle, and ripple tanks; and others. (DH)
TITLE: Some Software Naturals: Masking Education in a Video Game. 1984 Natural-History; v93 n12 p74-75,77-78 Dec 1984
DESCRIPTIVE NOTE: Subscriptions are to be sent to: Natural History Membership Services, Box 4300, Bergenfield, NJ 07621.
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Reports - Descriptive
DESCRIPTORS: Computer-Simulation; Science-Education; Science- Experiments
DESCRIPTORS: *Biology-; *Computer-Software; *Earth-Science; *Elementary-School-Science; *Physical-Sciences; *Secondary-School-Science
ABSTRACT: Lists 12 science-oriented computer programs (indicating program name, source, RAM needed, compatible computers, and current cost). Also considers the use of these programs in educational and home settings. (JN)
TITLE: Teaching Molecular Biology with Microcomputers. 1984 Collegiate-Microcomputer; v2 n1 p1-8 Feb 1984
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Reports - Descriptive
DESCRIPTORS: Higher-Education; Individualized-Instruction; Microcomputers-; Scientific-Research; Small-Group-Instruction
DESCRIPTORS: *Computer-Assisted-Instruction; *Computer- Simulation; *Computer-Software; *DNA-; *Genetics-; *Molecular- Structure
ABSTRACT: Describes a series of computer programs that use simulation and gaming techniques to present the basic principles of the central dogma of molecular genetics, mutation, and the genetic code. A history of discoveries in molecular biology is presented and the evolution of these computer assisted instructional programs is described. (MBR)
TITLE: Problem Solving Behaviors of Successful and Unsuccessful Subjects Leading to a Genetics Problem Solving Model. 1988
DESCRIPTIVE NOTE: 39 p.; Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (61st, Lake of the Ozarks, MO, April 10-13, 1988).
DOCUMENT TYPE: Reports - Research (143)
DESCRIPTORS: Biology-; Higher-Education; Logical-Thinking; Science-Education; Secondary-Education
DESCRIPTORS: *College-Science; *Computer-Simulation; *Genetics-; *Naturalistic-Observation; *Problem-Solving; *Secondary-School- Science
ABSTRACT: An integral part of the curriculum in introductory biology courses is the study of Mendelian genetics. Results from genetics learning studies and needs assessments demonstrated the need for additional intensive research in biology education and genetics learning. There exists a lack of detailed information describing reasoning patterns and processes of learners solving genetics problems using an interactive medium to explore their ideas and test hypotheses. The purposes of this study were to: (1) explore problem solving behaviors and genetics concepts employed by experts and novices during interaction with a genetics computer simulation; and (2) examine, extract, and analyze common and unique characteristics of successful and unsuccessful subjects. Three experts (Ph.D.s in Biology) and ten novices (advanced biology secondary students) participated in the study. Two experts and two novices exhibited the most complex patterns of problem-solving sequences and principally used problem-solving sequences. These were the successful subjects. The least successful subjects, five novices, exhibited more random approaches during problem solving. An intermediate group of less successful problem solvers exhibited some of the problem solving sequences of successful subjects. Included are tables, diagrams, and a list of references. (RT)
TITLE: Microcomputers and Biology Teaching--An Overview and Some Ideas for Future Development. 1983 School-Science-Review; v65 n231 p255-63 Dec 1983
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Reports - Descriptive
DESCRIPTORS: Artificial-Intelligence; Computer-Managed- Instruction; Discovery-Learning; Foreign-Countries; High-Schools; Hypothesis-Testing; Interaction-; Science-Education; Statistical- Analysis
DESCRIPTORS: *Biology-; *Computer-Assisted-Instruction; *Computer-Programs; *Computer-Simulation; *Microcomputers-; *Secondary-School-Science
ABSTRACT: Discusses use of microcomputers for structuring, communicating, and disseminating information under the categories of instructional use (computer-assisted instruction), emancipation (number crunching), revelatory (discovery/simulation), and conjectural (hypothesis testing). Also discusses use of PROLOG language for modeling ecosystems and testing hypotheses about them. Suggested questions for software evaluation are included. (JM)
TITLE: Teaching Real Science with a Microcomputer. 1983 Hands-On!; v6 n2 p3-4 Sum 1983
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Reports - Descriptive (141)
DESCRIPTORS: Biology-; Computer-Graphics; Energy-; Genetics-; Health-; Higher-Education; Physiology-; Science-Education; Secondary-Education
DESCRIPTORS: *College-Science; *Computer-Programs; *Microcomputers-; *Science-Instruction; *Secondary-School-Science
ABSTRACT: Discusses various ways science can be taught using microcomputers, including simulations/games which allow large- scale or historic experiments to be replicated on a manageable scale in a brief time. Examples of several computer programs are also presented, including "Experiments in Human Physiology," "Health Awareness Games," "Heredity Dog," and "The Gene Machine."
TITLE: Teaching with Computer Simulations. 1983 Science-and-Children; v20 n8 p13-17 May 1983
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Reports - Descriptive
DESCRIPTORS: Biology-; Earth-Science; Elementary-Secondary- Education; History-; Politics-; Science-Education; Simulation-
DESCRIPTORS: *Computer-Programs; *Elementary-School-Science; *Microcomputers-; *Science-Instruction; *Secondary-School-Science
ABSTRACT: Discusses drill/practice programs and computer simulations. Also provides a chart comparing programs available through the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC). Included in the chart are title, grade level(s), content, skills required to complete program, potential of program to be integrated into regular curriculum, values emphasized, and personal comments. (JN)
TITLE: Computer Simulation of the Population Growth (Schizosaccharomyces Pombe) Experiment. 1981 Journal-of-Biological-Education; v15 n4 p266-68 Win 1981
DOCUMENT TYPE: Journal Articles (080); Reports - Descriptive
DESCRIPTORS: College-Science; Higher-Education; Science- Education; Secondary-Education
DESCRIPTORS: *Biology-; *Computer-Programs; *Science-Experiments; *Secondary-School-Science; *Simulation-
ABSTRACT: Describes a computer program (available from authors) developed to simulate "Growth of a Population (Yeast) Experiment." Students actively revise the counting techniques with realistically simulated haemocytometer or eye-piece grid and are reminded of the necessary dilution technique. Program can be modified to introduce such variables as temperature and substrate concentration. (Author/JN)
TITLE: Games and Simulations in Science Education. 1981
DESCRIPTIVE NOTE: 204 p.
DOCUMENT TYPE: Books (010); Guides - Classroom - Teacher (052); Reference Materials (130)
DESCRIPTORS: Biology-; Chemistry-; Evaluation-; Higher-Education; Physics-; Science-Education; Secondary-Education; Technology-
DESCRIPTORS: *College-Science; *Educational-Games; *Instructional-Materials; *Science-Instruction; *Secondary-School-Science; *Simulation-
ABSTRACT: Games, simulations, and case studies in science education are discussed in this book. The book consists of two major parts. Part 1 which is divided into three sections, is a review of the potential role of games, simulations, and case studies in science education. The first section (chapters 1 and 2) takes a broad look at the game/simulation/case study field, explaining what the various types of exercises are, showing how they are inter-related, discussing their general educational characteristics, and presenting a rationale for their use in science education. The next section (chapters 3, 4, and 5) examines different kinds of exercises currently available, card/board games, other types of manual exercises, and computer-based exercises. The third section (chapters 6, 7, and 8) offers guidance on how to: (1) select/adapt exercises for specific purposes, use them in teaching situations; (2) design one's own exercises; and (3) evaluate games, simulations, and case studies. Part 2 consists of a comprehensive collection of data sheets arranged alphabetically in four separate sections, which contain physics-based, chemistry-based, and biology-based exercises, and exercises with some science/technology content. Each entry includes title, author, price, exercise type, educational aims, time required, and a discussion of the exercise. (Author/JN)