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ERIC Number: ED266964
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1986-Mar
Pages: 90
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Computer Lab Tools for Science: An Analysis of Commercially Available Science Interfacing Software for Microcomputers. A Quarterly Report.
Weaver, Dave
Science interfacing packages (also known as microcomputer-based laboratories or probeware) generally consist of a set of programs on disks, a user's manual, and hardware which includes one or more sensory devices. Together with a microcomputer they combine to make a powerful data acquisition and analysis tool. Packages are available for accurately measuring and monitoring one or more of the following: temperature; light intensity; sound intensity; frequency; pH; resistance; voltage; amperage; heart rate; respiration rate; wind speed; and others. This report: (1) provides an overview of science interfacing packages; (2) discusses how they are used in classrooms; (3) briefly considers related instructional issues; (4) lists available products, noting hardware requirements, grade level(s), and connection (circuit board or game paddles); (5) provides an evaluation summary for 16 packages; and (6) provides either a detailed description or a description and evaluation of 29 packages under these headings: temperature interfaces; light and timer interfaces; sound interfaces; health interfacing; multi-drive systems; and others. Information provided includes: title; cost; producer; hardware/software needed; grade level(s); required background of user; package components; system functions and data analysis features; and others. List of producers and information for building interface systems are provided in appendices. (JN)
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Reference Materials - General; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A