Teachers from elementary, middle and high schools can either purchase a small seismometer for use in the classroom, or access data from the University Seismological Laboratory using a Macintosh computer.
A software program developed by University geology professor Larry Roff can be distributed to teachers for free. The program monitors the seismometer 24 hours a day, recording the signature signals of earthquakes - those with magnitude 6.0 or higher - occurring anywhere in the world. Three Michigan high schools currently participate in the program.
Using the virtual reality education software VICHER and a head-mounted display, chemical engineering students can browse a modern chemical plant, seeing color photographs of equipment, and observing or controlling chemical and physical reactions as they occur.
Bell's virtual reality modules are tested by University Engineering juniors and seniors enrolled in reactor and chemical plant design courses. Bell uses the students' comments and suggestions to improve the modules and learn more about the benefits and limitations of virtual reality as an educational tool.
When improved further, the modules will be distributed to engineering schools nationwide by the CACHE Corp. Bell said his goal is to create a computer simulation so realistic as to be indistinguishable from the real world.
With funding by NASA, the scientists will merge text about astrophysics, astronomy, mythology, art, music, literature and philosophy with a series of user-friendly graphics, movies and animation.
"Windows to the Universe" gives users access to more than 2,000 images taken by NASA satellites. The prototype version of the program went online last March and is currently being evaluated by the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.
A new version will be available in October. The address for the World Wide Web site is http://www.windows.umich.edu/.
Funded by the National Science Foundation and the University Center for Ultrafast Optical Science, the Math-Science Learning Coalition brings together University, business, community and government resources in promoting science literacy for children.
Eighty percent of last year's tutors were University undergraduate and graduate students.
- Compiled by Daily Staff Reporter Brian Campbell.