Elementary and Advanced Computer Projects for the Physics Classroom and Laboratory

A series of computer based student research projects and programs for use in the Physics classroom and laboratory is described. The commercial programs are SPF/PC, Microsoft Word, T3, Symphony, Mathematica, and FORTRAN. The author's programs assist data analysis in particular laboratory experiments and make use of the Monte Carlo and other numerical techniques in computer simulation and instruction. The one-dimensional ISING model is presented as a good example of the application of both analytical and simulation techniques in Physics. The consistent use of this project-based teaching approach in a college Physics program enhances the students' education and interest.