This project establishes a Microcomputer Interfacing Laboratory used primarily for teaching pre-service science teachers how computers can be used for direct data acquisition from science experiments. The overall goal is to develop in the students familiarity and skills relating to the use of the computer in modern experimental science. The new Laboratory is used in several courses, particularly in a science teaching methods course and a course associated with the Computer Applications Minor program. Students develop computer-interfaced experimental projects that can be used in high school or college science courses in the content areas of earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics. The laboratory experiments will be compiled into a "Multidisciplinary Science Laboratory Interfacing Manual." Also, in-service workshops will be held for local high school teachers to demonstrate computer interfacing equipment and student-developed lessons and to allow teacher to create their own lessons for incorporation in the Manual.
