9351503 Tucker The project's main goals are to enhance Sage Junior College of Albany students' understanding of the basic concepts of physics and to encourage more students to consider careers in science. This is being accomplished by introducing microcomputer-based experiments into our physics laboratories and the physics elective courses, Astronomy and Energy and the Environment. Students are employing the computers to collect, analyze and graph experimental data. The immediate feedback students receive encourages participation and innovation. Support was obtained for software and hardware for six, networked Macintosh Si color computers each equipped with a Universal Lab Interface and a variety of probes and sensors and a networked printer. A modem is used to obtain software from remote locations. A CD-ROM drive improves the curriculum of the elective courses. Software, including a spreadsheet, physics and astronomy simulations, and utilities, has also been purchased. This project is stimulating the teaching of physics related courses at the College. It exposes students to modern apparatus and data collection techniques. It will prepares and encourages students, especially women, minorities, and mature students, to consider careers in science. Without this grant, implementation would have taken many years to accomplish. ***
