There is general agreement that exploration of the physical world can be more effectively taught utilizing modern computer technologies. The ability of the computer to quickly acquire and analyze data will allow more time for the student to focus on the concepts being taught. This project utilizes computer data acquisition, analysis, and scientific report writing to better teach concepts in the physics laboratory through cooperative and discovery modes of learning.The major instruments needed to accomplish the above aim are 14 computer stations with the necessary hardware and software to perform the functions of data acquisition, analysis and scientific report writing.A major goal of this project is to reach out to women and Native American students and make physics concepts more accessible to them by using cooperative and discovery modes of learning.There is a national effort in physics teaching to teach fundamental concepts using computers. Avoiding the emphasis on repetitious data acquisition will make the field more applicable to the student's needs and therefore more exciting. There is the general realization that since the computer has become an indispensable tool for the practicing scientist, it must also be integrated into the teaching of physics.
