The Use of Microcomputers in School Chemistry. A Report of a Working Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry to the Department of Education and Science.

In recognition that computers are becoming an integral part of science teaching, the British Department of Education asked the Royal Society of Chemistry to investigate the current use of microcomputers and microelectronics in teaching chemistry at the secondary school level. This document presents the results of that study. It includes: (1) an introduction and some general considerations for using computers in the chemistry classroom; (2) a discussion of software applications and an assessment of current areas of weakness in software production; (3) a listing of areas of the chemistry curriculum where software is available and can be used; (4) some guidelines for selecting hardware; (5) some implications for training teachers to use microcomputers; (6) a description of novel uses of microcomputers; and (7) a list of specific recommendations resulting from the study. A copy of the national survey questionnaire is included in the appendix. (TW)