Re: What is the need of Computer in Teaching Science?

Namaste.

I think most people in science will agree with me that, although the 
computer is not necessary, in learning science, it makes many things 
easier and more fun.

For example, the internet makes available many animations of scientific 
phenomena, like the travels of ions and electrons in a battery (cell) 
connected to a lamp.  Science is full of "models," and the depiction of 
these models by computer is valuable.  You cannot "see" an atom, but you 
can view the Bohr atom model or the more "correct" quantum mechanical 
model on the computer.  Here's one of my favorite sites for technology -- 
it's called How Stuff Works.  See:  http://www.howstuffworks.com/

Another use is help with mathematics.  Science has lots of mathematics in 
it.  In learning science you are often asked to graph a function.  
Spreadsheets make that easy.  Spreadsheets also make data collection and 
interpretation much more easy.

Computers with proper interfacing to laboratory equipment can automate 
data collection and free the scientist from drudgery so he or she can do 
other things.

In researching a subject, the internet can help you find out what others 
have done.  Just today The New York Times reported on the causes of the 
World Trade Center collapse, and said the National Institute of Standards 
and Technology (NIST) said there was no error in structural design that 
contributed to it.

Finally, the computer made it possible for you to write to me through the 
Mad Scientist Network.  For that reason alone I think computers are 
wonderful contributers to science.

Best of luck to you, Saumyarup.

Larry Skarin